Exploring Adolescents' Cancer Journey Through Photovoice: A Narrative Synthesis

Abstract

Photovoice is uniquely positioned among other psychosocial interventions to help address the needs of teenagers on their cancer journey. Despite this, few researchers have examined the efficacy of photovoice as a psychosocial intervention for teenagers who are currently on active treatment.

Identification of Evidence for Key Positive Psychological Constructs in Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult Patients with Cancer: A Scoping Review

“… 71 , 102 , 140 Family and peer support were important for increasing optimism. 141 Other factors such as religious faith, 59 hope, 142 posttraumatic growth, 66 and strong mental health 143 , 144 were correlated with higher levels of optimism.…”

“…Some specific areas of growth mentioned were improved self-reflection, 52 clearer life purpose, 53 a positive new identity, 54 , 55 overall maturation, 56 and increased empathy. 57 Faith in God and spiritual struggles played a significant role in patient personal growth, 58 , 59 mostly by allowing patients to adapt to or comprehend their disease. Social support systems helped promote growth in patients with cancer.…”

The Development and Process Evaluation of a 3-Day Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Program for Adolescent Cancer Survivors

“…The ability to deliver ACT in a peer group format is particularly important for the adolescent cancer survivor population who may experience isolation resulting from reduced opportunities for meaningful social connection with their friends and social networks (Janin et al 2018;Kim et al 2016). Connections with other cancer survivors can reduce social isolation; promote a sense of community or belonging; and normalise and validate psychosocial impacts through shared information and experience (Barnett et al 2016;Niepage et al 2018). As has been evidenced for young people with mental health concerns (Halliburton and Cooper 2015;Livheim et al 2014), group-based ACT approaches may offer additional or enhanced therapeutic benefits for adolescents with cancer.…”

“…Although many adolescent cancer survivors 1 adjust well to their cancer experience (Gunst et al 2016;Niepage et al 2018;Yi et al 2015), a significant minority report psychosocial challenges after completing cancer treatment. Psychological impacts include clinically-significant distress, post-traumatic stress, and anxiety (Friend et al 2018;Rourke et al 2015); fear of cancer recurrence; perceptions of being different; challenges incorporating the cancer experience into their identity; and concerns about cancer-related disclosure with peers, friends and partners (Janin et al 2018;Kim et al 2016;McDonnell et al 2017;Pini et al 2019).…”

Reaching Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients Through Social Media: Impact of the Photographs of Meaning Program

“…12,13 Photovoice has been suggested as a mechanism for facilitating dialogue and shared experiences among AYAs, as it allows them a structured mechanism for connecting around areas of shared meaning. 14 The process of documenting and sharing experiences through posting and interacting around photographs may uniquely resonate with this population given their utilization of SM.…”