Keep on Striving: The Impact of Psychosocial Support on Jordanian Adolescents with Cancer

Abstract

Having cancer during adolescence stage causes stressors in patients’ lives. They are responsible for dealing with many new situations and stressors. Coping with such stressors can be influenced by psychosocial factors. This study aimed to explore the impact of psychosocial support on adolescents with cancer. A qualitative exploratory design was used to understand the experience of psychosocial support from the perspectives of the patients. Twenty adolescents with cancer were selected purposefully from two major cancer treatment centers in Jordan. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used to obtain the participants’ perspectives. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Findings revealed three major themes: “supportive structure”, “precious aspects of psychosocial support”, and “cancer could be defeated”. Participants expressed their satisfaction with the psychosocial support provided to them. However, they asked for further improvement in hospital facilities, playrooms and leisure activities. In conclusion, having a strong psychosocial support system will help adolescents to cope with cancer. Family, friends, and the surrounding environment are the key elements in installing hope and helping adolescents to go through cancer experience. Nurses are advised to adopt these psychosocial keys in order to create age-related activities that would improve the patients’ coping with cancer.