Coping Styles of Female Adolescent Cancer Patients with Potential Fertility Loss

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess the coping styles of female adolescent cancer patients regarding potential loss of fertility. Expectations and desires for the future, coping styles in typical adolescence, and coping styles when faced with potential loss of fertility due to cancer treatment are discussed. Methods: Female adolescents diagnosed with cancer aged 12-18 years at study (N = 14) were administered a 10-item values clarification tool to pilot test the readability and relevance of the items on reproductive concerns, followed by a cognitive debriefing interview asking participants how they would respond to each item. These qualitative responses were assessed for coping style type using the constant comparative approach. Results: All adolescent participants reported having a strong desire for biological children in the future. Reactions to questions regarding the loss of fertility fell into two categories of coping styles: emotion-focused coping or problem-focused (engagement) coping. Within emotion-focused coping, there were three distinct styles: externalizing attribution style, internalizing attribution style, and repressive adaptation. Problem-focused coping adolescents displayed optimism. Conclusion: Successful interventions aimed at promoting adaptive coping styles should seek to uncover adolescents' values about future parenthood and reproduction. Development of an age-appropriate assessment to stimulate dialogue regarding fertility and initiate an adolescent's cognitive processing of potential fertility loss is warranted.

Fertility Preservation after a Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of Adolescents', Parents', and Providers’ Perspectives, Experiences, and Preferences

“…It is also important to note the support that adolescents and parents gave for having these conversations, even in the absence of options. The importance of early and frequent conversations is supported by other studies that have looked at the lack of congruence between adolescents and parents, the coping styles of adolescent females, and gender disparities in fertility related services(59, 60). …”

The Adolescent and Young Adult with Cancer: A Developmental Life Course Perspective

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A qualitative study of sexual and reproductive health communication with adolescent and young adult oncology patients

“…Unfortunately, oncology clinicians often underestimate the relevance of psychosexual issues among AYAs and do not discuss SRH . Although AYAs consistently identify the need for greater patient‐clinician SRH communication, these conversations rarely take place . This study aims to explore AYA perceptions and experiences of SRH communication in the oncology setting and to identify barriers and facilitators to guide the development of effective communication strategies and practice guidelines.…”