title: Posttraumatic growth as experienced by childhood cancer survivors and their families: a narrative synthesis of qualitative and quantitative research.
abstract: Confronting with a life-threatening illness may serve as an opportunity for self-renewal and spiritual and personal growth. Posttraumatic growth refers to the experience of positive change resulting from the struggle and/or cognitive engagement with the existential challenges of life events. The more stressful a life situation is, the more potential it provides for personal growth. This article is a report of a narrative synthesis of empirical research reporting the positive effects of cancer perceived by the childhood cancer survivors and their families. A total of 35 studies included 20 quantitative, 12 qualitative, and 3 mixed studies (involving 2087 childhood cancer survivors, 1115 parents, and 159 healthy siblings). They were published between 1975 and 2010 and conducted in 9 countries. Five themes were identified: (1) meaning-making, (2) appreciation of life, (3) self-awareness, (4) closeness and family togetherness, and (5) a desire to pay back society. The findings suggest that illness becomes our best teacher to get to know ourselves at a deeper level and the world in a new dimension with new meaning. Working through an illness brings out our best, teaching us what life is all about.
authors: Medical Oncology Multispecialty Outpatient Clinic, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. beyhan.duran@yale.edu
authors: Beyhan
authors: B
authors: Duran
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D033262:Narration; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors
keywords: childhood cancer survivors; families; narrative synthesis; posttraumatic growth; stress-related growth