Child Health Nurs Res.  2019 Jul;25(3):290-302. 10.4094/chnr.2019.25.3.290.

Social Adjustment of Adolescent Cancer Survivors: A Concept Analysis

• Oh SM
• Lee H
• Kim S
• Kim S
• Lyu CJ

• KMID: 2454829
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4094/chnr.2019.25.3.290

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to identify the attributes of social adjustment among adolescent cancer survivors using concept analysis and to propose a definition of the concept.
METHODS
In accordance with the hybrid model of concept analysis, this study employed a three-phase circular process comprising theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis phases. A thorough literature review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and Korean databases, followed by qualitative fieldwork with seven participants. The results derived from the theoretical and fieldwork phases were integrated into the final analysis phase.
RESULTS
Four attributes of social adjustment were found in adolescent cancer survivors: having harmonious relationships with friends, having harmonious relationships with boy/girlfriends, fulfilling their present roles, and planning for and expecting future roles. The following definition of social adjustment of adolescent cancer survivors is proposed: "the conquering of difficulties arising from the continuum of childhood cancer and the achievement of the developmental tasks of typical adolescents."
CONCLUSION
Social adjustment of childhood cancer survivors is crucial for integrating them into society. The findings of this study provide a basis for developing an instrument to measure the social adjustment of adolescent cancer survivors and for developing of interventions that target this group.

Keyword

Social adjustment; Cancer survivors; Adolescent

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Friends
Humans
Social Adjustment*
Survivors*