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Examining the Experience of Peer Relationships in Adolescents with Cancer

Kavanaugh, Brian

Abstract Details

, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology.
Adolescence is an especially difficult developmental stage for those individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Because cancer treatment may limit adolescents' opportunities to participate in age-appropriate activities, they may experience negative changes in peer relationships, leaving them at risk for developing inordinate psychological distress and its effects. Results of this study indicated that the amount of friends may not change for adolescents during cancer treatment, and while time in treatment was characterized by a decrease in the time spent with friends, time with friends increased following cancer treatment. Alternatively, this sample reported a large percentage of diagnosed psychiatric conditions and also cancer treatment-related decreases in peer relationship quality and quantity, which had a negative influence on emotional well-being. Additionally, results suggest that improving the cancer-related knowledge base of healthy friends is a needed intervention and could result in improved behaviors towards peers with cancer. Efforts to reach out to the adolescent with cancer appeared to be generally highly valued, although being physically present with the individual was more valued than technology-based media communication. These results guide future interventions to improve the peer relationships in adolescents with cancer.
Victor Pantesco, Ed.D. (Committee Chair)
Amanda Hitchings, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
William Slammon, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
83 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kavanaugh, B. (2013). Examining the Experience of Peer Relationships in Adolescents with Cancer [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1373627069

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kavanaugh, Brian. Examining the Experience of Peer Relationships in Adolescents with Cancer. 2013. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1373627069.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kavanaugh, Brian. "Examining the Experience of Peer Relationships in Adolescents with Cancer." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1373627069

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)