BUILDING RESILIENCE AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH CANCER: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a psychoeducational program to increase resilience in the case of an adolescent diagnosed with cancer. The program incorporates the cognitive-behavioral principles and resilience protective factors of adolescents with cancer. The program consisted of six individual meetings based on the information provided by a booklet specially designed for this project. The efficiency of the program was assessed by evaluating the protective factors at the beginning of the program, at the end of it and at a 1 month follow-up. Also, the opinions of the participant involved in this study were assessed by a questionnaire with open questions. The results showed that there was an increase in scores on effective coping strategies and perceived social support. Depression scores remained at a low level throughout the study and anxiety and optimism scores showed an increase after the program and a decrease at follow-up. Preliminary outcomes showed changes in the desired direction. The implications of the results are discussed. Through this study we emphasize the need for development of evidence-based programs for improving quality of life in adolescents with cancer.

Keywords

• adolescent
• cancer
• resilience
• coping
• psycho-educational program