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Brian Kavanaugh Final Dissertation for ETD 7.17.13.pdf (349.08 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
Examining the Experience of Peer Relationships in Adolescents with Cancer
Author Info
Kavanaugh, Brian
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1373627069
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology.
Abstract
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.
Committee
Victor Pantesco, Ed.D. (Committee Chair)
Amanda Hitchings, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
William Slammon, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Pages
83 p.
Subject Headings
Clinical Psychology
Keywords
Pediatric oncology, adolescents, peer relationships, intervention
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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)
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Document number:
antioch1373627069
Download Count:
769
Copyright Info
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.