Human Flourishing in Adolescents with Cancer: Perspectives of Health Care Providers

Abstract

Background: Despite the challenging nature of a cancer diagnosis, a unique cohort of adolescents experience a remarkable trajectory of positive growth and development during and following their cancer-related experiences [1]. Human flourishing, a concept describing an optimal form of human life and development [2], has a potential to provide a comprehensive explanation of the unique growth experienced by some adolescents with cancer, yet it has rarely been studied in this population. We investigated the concept of flourishing from the perspectives of pediatric oncology health care providers (POHCP) who spend significant quality and quantities of time with adolescents and their families [3]. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of POHCP on: 1) exemplary stories of adolescents with cancer who have flourished, and 2) critical attributes characteristic of flourishing adolescents. Method: A mixed-methods descriptive, exploratory study was conducted with a sample of 11 POHCPs (e.g., physician, nurse, child life therapist, psychologist) who completed an electronic survey with open-ended questions; and a focus group of 6 pediatric oncology nurses. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the critical attribute characteristics. A conventional content analysis technique was used to analyze the textual data. Results: The 15 critical attribute characteristics were classified into five categories: emotional, psychological, social, functional, and spiritual dimensions. The textual data was categorized into 5 capability themes: Lead one’s own life; Stand on firm ground; Grow and transcend through experiences; Make a better world; Move forward to better future. Conclusion: Human flourishing in adolescents with cancer cross modes of development from intrapersonal, interpersonal, and person-environmental components. Prior to the development of intervention studies to promote flourishing in adolescents with cancer, studies are needed to explore how the comprehensive components are scaffolded in clinical care and in the family environment. View a PDF of this Poster Presentation