I'll show them: the social construction of (in)competence in survivors of childhood brain tumors.
Multimodal therapy for the treatment of childhood cancer has resulted in increased survival rates, yet as growing cohorts of children mature, late effects are becoming apparent. Specifically, brain tumor survivors tend to have poor social skills, peer relationship problems, academic difficulties, and delayed college entry. This article addresses findings specific to the unique experience of childhood cancer survivors as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Qualitative methods involving focus groups and in-depth interviews with 14 childhood cancer survivors and 22 family members were used. The dialectic of incompetence/competence pervaded all narratives. Contradictory concepts of integration/ isolation, realistic/unrealistic goals, and the need for special help/no help were underscored by respondents. The struggle to deal with these contradictory factors led to the simultaneous resistance and acceptance of feelings of competence.
Boydell
Katherine M
KM
The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8. katherine.boydell@sickkids.ca
Stasiulis
Elaine
E
Greenberg
Mark
M
Greenberg
Corin
C
Spiegler
Brenda
B
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D004519:Education, Special; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D033262:Narration; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009864:Ontario; D010379:Peer Group; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D002666:Psychology, Child; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012919:Social Behavior; D012934:Social Isolation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*