Hope and the meaning of life in adolescent cancer patients – a phenomenological study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how adolescents diagnosed with cancer find meaning in their lives and what factors facilitated their resilience in coping with treatment and the fear of death. Treatment of cancer results not only in loss of hair and body parts, but also of self-control and dignity and when this occurs during adolescence, a stage of life during which the child evolves cognitively and morally and when self-identity is evolving, what do adolescents cling to in the midst of being treated for cancer and the consequent experience of uncertainty and loss? Facilitated by participant narratives and Interpretive Description methodology, this study explores the theme of spirituality and hope as core enablers of resilience in adolescents undergoing cancer therapy, and how the diagnosis of cancer frames their meaning of life. Thirteen adolescent patients were interviewed and, even though buffeted by illness, all expressed a will to live and a hope to get better. Although there are many dimensions that contribute to resiliency this study focused primarily on the domains of hope and spirituality. Five domains were identified that highlighted both internal strengths and external supports that play important roles in the resilience of youth. Themes that emerged were redefined relationships with parents and friends, threatened social networks and halted normal adolescent development. In addition, a sense of spirituality and optimism emerged as themes. It is from our patients and their shared insights from their lives, illness and suffering that we as clinicians learn. This study helps to better understand, in adolescents, what illness takes away and how as health care providers we can holistically respond.

Date of Award	27 Jun 2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Alan Buckingham (Supervisor)