Profiles of perceived social functioning in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Abstract

Objectives: Social interaction and peer relationships are critical for development, especially for adolescents and young adults (AYA). Cancer treatment may disrupt social functioning and impact quality of life. Prior research into AYA social functioning has primarily been qualitative in nature or assessed via broad measures of functioning. Given the multi-dimensional nature of social functioning, and its importance for AYA, a person-centered approach to analyses is needed. Methods: AYA survivors of childhood cancer, ages 13 to 23 (n = 192, 51% male) and at least 1 year post-treatment (M = 7.35 ± 4.18 years post), completed measures to assess perceived social functioning, social support, and positive and negative affect. Caregivers also completed a measure of social functioning. Latent profile analysis was used to empirically derive profiles of perceived social functioning using the selfperception profile for adolescents (SPPA). Results: A 3-class solution provided the best fit to the data: 58.9% average, 33.7% high, and 7.5% low functioning. The average group reported mean scores that were similar to normative values available in the SPPA manual. Demographic and medical factors were unrelated to class membership. Social support and positive/negative affect differed significantly by class; caregiver-report of social functioning did not. Conclusions: Overall, the majority of AYA survivors of childhood cancer are doing well socially, with perceived adequate social functioning associated with both high levels of social support as well as greater perceptions of positive affect. Future work is needed to elucidate longitudinal trajectories of social functioning, as well as to identify and intervene with those survivors who are struggling. K E Y W O R D S adolescent and young adulthood, cancer, childhood cancer, latent profile analysis, oncology, social functioning, survivorship Social interaction and peer relationships are a critical part of human development. However, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer can disrupt this process and lead to social isolation and distress, ultimately affecting quality of life. 1 This may be particularly true for adolescents and young adults (AYA), for whom the peer group is critically important to psychological functioning, emerging independence and sense of self. Indeed, the Standards for Psychosocial Care for Children with Cancer and Their Families highlights the essential importance of peer interaction during and after cancer treatment, particularly for AYA. 2 Historically, most social functioning research has focused on survivors of pediatric brain tumors, given their neurocognitive deficits and associated social interaction weaknesses. 3 A large body of

The mediating effect of social functioning on the relationship between social support and fatigue in middle-aged and young recipients with liver transplant in China

“…More importantly, social support not only has a direct effect on fatigue, but it also has an indirect effect through social functioning. The higher the social support, the better the social functioning ( Tao and Wang, 2010 ; Qin et al, 2018 ; Willard et al, 2020 ). Husson et al (2017) suggested that strengthening social support may help young cancer survivors better reintegrate into society.…”

“… Husson et al (2017) suggested that strengthening social support may help young cancer survivors better reintegrate into society. Victoria demonstrated that good social functioning is related to a high level of social support in adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer ( Willard et al, 2020 ). A possible reason for this is that higher levels of social support may improve social functioning by promoting social contact and emotional communication, thereby reducing fatigue.…”