The impact of connectedness on social functioning in youth with brain tumors

Willard, Victoria W.; Russell, Kathryn; Long, Alanna; Phipps, Sean

doi:10.1002/pbc.27607

Cited by 11 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 39 publications

(90 reference statements)

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“…Of note, ive longitudinal cohort studies were included that gathered and reported on data from adolescents within the 10-21-yearold range at one or more time points, but also included time points that reported on age ranges outside of the inclusion criteria. This included: initial recruitment in 9-17 age range with subsequent longitudinal follow up in 10-19 range (Willard et al, 2019), initial recruitment in 8-17 age range followed longitudinally for 3 or 4 years (Ehman et al, 2019;Okado et al, 2018), and initial recruitment of 12-17 year-olds followed for 5 years or into young adulthood (Krull et al, 2010;Weinstein et al, 2018).…”

Section: Inclusion/exclusion Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Social isolation and connection in adolescents with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Pahl

Steinberg

2021

Journal of Adolescence

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Introduction: Cancer may cause signiicant disruptions in normal adolescent development particularly in social domains. Both treatment and survivorship pose challenges to fostering social connections. To better understand these challenges, we conducted a systematic literature review of the experience of social isolation and connectedness in adolescents with cancer and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Methods: A systematic review of the scientiic literature was conducted following PRISMA Guidelines. Eligible articles included original peer-reviewed research published in English between January 2000 and April 2020 that reported on social domains of patients and survivors of cancer between the ages of 10-21. Initial database search identiied 4606 articles with 43 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Results: Results were synthesized into four domains: (1) the prevalence of connectedness/isolation; (2) risk factors associated with social isolation; (3) protective factors against social isolation; (4) the impact of social isolation on psychological health. Overall, adolescent patients and survivors of cancer have satisfactory social connectedness. However, certain subgroups including those with central nervous system tumors are at higher risk of social isolation. Conclusions: In general, adolescent cancer patients and survivors report levels of social connectedness consistent with healthy adolescent population norms. The risk and protective factors identiied in this review may help serve as important indicators for psychosocial screening and interventions. These indings are particularly relevant in the COVID-19 era as all adolescents face challenges to social connections and psychosocial development.

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Section: Inclusion/exclusion Criteriamentioning

confidence: 99%

Social isolation and connection in adolescents with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Pahl

Steinberg

2021

Journal of Adolescence

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“…These findings highlight that when isolated in hospital for significant periods of time, the children and adolescents were focused on feeling connected with the caring adults around them. This finding is supported by research in child development, which highlights that children seek connection as a means of protection, which creates a sense of attachment (Barber & Schluterman, 2008;Willard, Russell, Long, & Phipps, 2019). Research with nurses working on a bone marrow transplant unit that requires patient isolation documented similar findings, with nurses reporting feelings of closeness and friendship with many children and families with whom they work, citing a unique shared experience during a very isolating and intense treatment journey (Morrison & Morris, 2017).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Impact of Hospital Isolation on Peer Relationships Among Children and Adolescents with a Malignant Brain Tumor

Sawyer

Mishna

Bouffet

et al. 2021

Child Adolesc Soc Work J

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Children and adolescents with complex medical conditions are often uprooted from their environments and isolated in hospital while undergoing treatment. Little is known about how they perceive this isolation and its subsequent impact on their relationships with peers, both during and after isolation for treatment. This study describes the experience of hospital isolation from the perspectives of children and adolescents with a malignant brain tumor. The use and impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) as a possible bridge for contact is also explored. Following a qualitative approach utilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight youth participants who had undergone treatment for medulloblastoma. Data analysis generated three main themes: (1) transforming children and relationships, (2) hospitalization in a digital world, and (3) ICTs as a promising bridge back to school. Study findings provide insight into the experience of hospital isolation for children and adolescents, while highlighting the positive social as well as academic outcomes of frequent, open ended ICT use throughout hospital isolation. This is timely, given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting isolation. Considerations for hospital social workers to promote relationships and connection, while facilitating a smooth transition as these children return to school are included.

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“…Example items include: “Makes friends easily;” “Is well‐liked by other people;” and “Is comfortable being in large groups.” Questions are answered using a 4‐point Likert scale from “never” to “always.” Raw scores are converted to age‐standardized T‐scores with higher scores indicative of better functioning. Reliability and validity has been established 23 and the measure has been previously used with survivors of childhood cancer 24 …”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reliability and validity has been established 23 and the measure has been previously used with survivors of childhood cancer. 24…”

Section: Social Emotional Assets and Resilience Scalementioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2020

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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

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The impact of connectedness on social functioning in youth with brain tumors

Cited by 11 publications

References 39 publications

Social isolation and connection in adolescents with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Social isolation and connection in adolescents with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Impact of Hospital Isolation on Peer Relationships Among Children and Adolescents with a Malignant Brain Tumor

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

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