"Cancer was a speed bump in my path to enlightenment:" A qualitative analysis of situational coping experiences among young adult survivors of childhood cancer.
Young adult survivors of childhood cancer (N = 47) completed essays exploring situational coping within a mixed methods study. Data were qualitatively analyzed using consensual qualitative research-modified methodology. Five themes emerged: (1) initial reactions to cancer, (2) adjustment/coping with cancer diagnosis and treatment, (3) provisions of social support, (4) perceived effects of cancer experience, and (5) reflections on the cancer experience. Perceptions of childhood cancer experiences appear generally positive, with the majority of negative reactions emerging immediately following diagnosis. Cognitive behavioral and supportive interventions may be most beneficial in the initial postdiagnosis period and should emphasize lasting benefits, accomplishments, and profound effects.
a Department of Psychology , St. Louis Children's Hospital , St. Louis , MO , USA.|b Department of Pediatrics , Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis , MO , USA.
Rebecca H
RH
Foster
c Department of Psychology , Winona State University , Winona , MN , USA.
Amanda M
AM
Brouwer
d Department of Pediatrics , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA , USA.
Robyn
R
Dillon
d Department of Pediatrics , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA , USA.|e Department of Psychology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA , USA.
Matthew J
MJ
Bitsko
f Department of Hematology & Oncology , Miami Children's Hospital , Miami , FL , USA.
Kamar
K
Godder
g Department of Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA.
Marilyn
M
Stern
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
childhood cancer; coping; qualitative; survivorship; young adult