Emerging Adults’ Peer Acceptance of Those Who Appear to be Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Physical appearance has been shown to be heavily influential in the overall peer acceptance of an individual. Yet, the role of a changing physical appearance due to an illness (e.g., cancer) and its impact on peer acceptance has garnered little focus. This study considered how appearing as if undergoing treatment for cancer impacted peer acceptance in emerging adults. Using photo vignettes, a sample of 182 emerging adults (79 percent female; 21 percent male) evaluated four types of hypothetical emerging adult peers. Results showed that the healthy models had significantly different peer acceptance scores compared with the chemotherapy models. A positive association between microsystem exposure to cancer and peer acceptance ratings was also found. Clinical applications to foster more microsystem influences, such as social support groups on university campuses, and future directions, such as the use of video vignettes, are provided.