Psychosocial Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2015 Aug;31(3):242-50. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2015.05.004. Epub 2015 May 7.

Abstract

Objectives: To summarize and evaluate the studies published since 2007 on psychosocial interventions designed for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer.

Data sources: PubMed, Ovid, and PsycINFO.

Conclusion: Our review confirms that the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions for AYA is still in its infancy. Only five studies were identified and these generally had small samples and limited results.

Implications for nursing practice: It is important for nurses to assess the needs of AYA. Incorporating creative ways for AYA to express their needs and self-reflect seems to be critically important and may help AYA cope positively with the cancer experience.

Keywords: Adolescents; cancer; psychosocial interventions; review; young adults.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / nursing
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncology Nursing / organization & administration
  • Psychology*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Young Adult