A Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences of Young Patients and Caregivers Confronting Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology Diagnosis

Ines Testoni (), Anna Elena Nicoletti, Matilde Moscato and Ciro De Vincenzo
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Ines Testoni: Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy
Anna Elena Nicoletti: Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, Haifa 31905, Israel
Matilde Moscato: Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, Haifa 31905, Israel
Ciro De Vincenzo: Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, 35131 Padua, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 14, 1-15

Abstract: Epidemiological studies show that new cases of young oncology patients are increasing by 400,000 every year. Psychological literature has shown that receiving an oncological diagnosis can cause significant psychological stress and discomfort. However, the experiences of young patients and their caregivers as they confront this challenge are not yet fully understood. This paper adopts a qualitative methodological approach to explore how young patients with an oncological diagnosis and their parents make sense of the experiential challenges they face. Thus, the research realized 18 semi-structured interviews, 11 of which were with pediatric and adolescent oncology patients, and 7 of which were with 6 mothers and 1 father. The qualitative thematic analysis revealed that the oncological diagnosis triggers different emotions taking the scene in the attempt to cope with the threats of meaning that the diagnosis poses. However, such intense experience promotes transformative feelings in parents and young patients, leading to important personal growth. Lastly, this article discusses the need to improve palliative psychological care competences in pediatric oncology. By providing comprehensive psychological care to young oncology patients and their families, healthcare providers can mitigate the psychological stress and pain associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Keywords: pediatric oncology; adolescent oncology; caregivers’ burden; qualitative research; psychological stress; personal growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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