Relationship between posttraumatic growth and perceived social support for adolescents with cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to discuss the positive or negative changes in adolescents that may occur as the result of the traumatic experience and to explain the relationship between the reaction to the cancer and the perception of social support. The study was conducted in 2 inpatient pediatric oncology units located in Istanbul, Turkey. The sample consisted of 108 adolescents with cancer. The data were collected using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. A positive correlation was found between social support perception and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scores. After being diagnosed with cancer, most adolescents made positive changes in either themselves or their life philosophies. Adolescents with cancer mostly benefited from family social support rather than social support from their friends. The health care providers' awareness of supportive needs of the adolescent is essential. It is recommended that the health care providers should plan interventions for adolescents with cancer to increase social support, especially from friends, and should counsel them to join support groups.