Post‐traumatic growth among an ethnically diverse sample of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Abstract

The AYA survivors commonly reported PTG in the immediate aftermath of cancer treatment. Findings regarding PTG among more acculturated Hispanic and bone tumor AYA survivors may help to inform risk-adapted clinical interventions, among those transitioning from active treatment to post-treatment surveillance, to mitigate negative long-term sequelae and enhance positive psychosocial adaptation from the cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Celebrate the Trail to Recovery: Power of the Positive Post-Diagnosis of Cancer

“…This last time, I chose to respond for the future^(emphasis added). Arpawong et al (2013) said that PTG is characterized with an increased sense of psychological maturity resulting in a greater purpose for life. Glenda said her second diagnosis encouraged her to reach out to people who were feeling like she did during her first diagnosis.…”

“…For people undergoing treatment for cancer, and those in remission, PTG involves moving beyond the diagnosis. PTG is characterized as a Bstronger sense of self and values^that is constructed through trauma in the pursuit of finding Bgreater purpose^and planning for the future (Arpawong et al 2013(Arpawong et al , p. 2235. Posttraumatic growth includes the process of Bcognitive rebuilding^ (Tedeschi and Calhoun 2004) and Bpsychological ownership^ (Karnilowicz 2011) where an epiphany or turning point stimulates the growth -not the trauma itself.…”

The Impact of Cancer and its Treatment on the Growth and Development of the Pediatric Patient

“…Moreover when teens are trying to establish who they, the stress of cancer are can often lead to regression or growth (Arpawong, Oland, Milam, Ruccione, & Meeske, 2013;Hullmann, Fedele, Molzon, Mayes, & Mullins, 2014), putting them at greater or lesser ability to engage in their own health. For those experiencing what some call "post-traumatic growth", teenagers may advance in some ways to Erickson's stage of young adulthood, Intimacy vs Isolation (Arpawong et al, 2013;Hullmann et al, 2014;Stuber et al, 1996). This is a developmental phase of seeking and committing to love and relationships as a highly held goal and desire (Erikson, 1950;King et al, 2007).…”

Adding Trauma-Informed Care at a Bereavement Camp to Facilitate Posttraumatic Growth: A Controlled Outcome Study

“…Although there has been a growing body of literature on PTG among youth following various events such as hurricanes (Kilmer & Gil-Rivas, 2010), natural disasters (Cryder, Kilmer, Tedeschi, & Calhoun, 2006), earthquakes (Jia, et al, 2015), terrorism (Laufer & Solomon, 2006), and illness (Arpawong et al, 2013), few studies address posttraumatic growth among bereaved children and adolescents. PTG among bereaved youth may manifest as increased caring for and stronger bonds with loved ones and friends (Oltjenbruns, 1991), gratitude, and an appreciation for life (Brewer & Sparkes, 2011).…”

“…However, data have also consistently presented the potential for positive change following a struggle with trauma, also known as posttraumatic growth, or PTG (Kilmer, 2006;Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1995). This construct helps researchers investigate the transformative effects of distress and has been documented in youth following various traumas: illness, earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorism, and death of a loved one (Arpawong, Oland, Milam, Ruccione, & Meeske, 2013;Jia, Ying, Zhou, Wu, & Lin, 2015;Kilmer & Gil-Rivas, 2010;Laufer & Solomon, 2006;Lin et al, 2014). With the negative effects on children who have experienced loss, the ability to recognize, and possibly even encourage posttraumatic growth through trauma-informed care is imperative (Kilmer et al, 2014;Steele & Kuban, 2011).…”