J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2009 Jul;15(3):282-290.

Psychosocial Adjustment of Adolescents with Hematologic Malignancies: Self-integration from Deviated Life

• Son SY

Abstract

PURPOSE
The main purpose of this study was to observe the adaptation experience process of adolescents with hematologic malignancies. METHODS: The Grounded Theory Method, developed by Strauss & Corbin (1998), was used in this study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 adolescents with cancer. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. Theoretical sampling technique was used until the data reached saturation. RESULTS: "A deviated life" was verified as the central phenomenon for adolescents with cancer. The adaptation experience process was divided into 3 steps: "Self-confusion", "Reinterpretation", and "Regeneration of self". Through these 3 steps, the adolescents with hematologic malignancies fitted a new life by self-integration. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide a frame for individualized nursing intervention strategies in helping with the psychosocial adaptation of adolescents with hematologic malignancies.

Keyword

Adolescent; Cancer; Social support; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Data Collection
Hematologic Neoplasms
Humans
Qualitative Research
Child Health