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Thematic Evidence of Psychosocial Thriving in Childhood Cancer Survivors

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver

Mark A. Chesler

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Advances in medical treatment for childhood cancer have resulted in dramatically increased survival rates and a growing population of long-term survivors. Until recently, researchers reported primarily negative psychosocial sequelae of childhood cancer. Emergent conceptual frameworks propose that the assumption of pathology or long-term deficits in functioning might obscure an understanding of the full range of outcomes. Using qualitative interview data (N = 50), the authors explore how cancer can lead to positive psychosocial outcomes, including thriving. The findings suggest that processes of coping, meaning making, and psychospiritual growth are intimately related to long-term psychosocial well-being. The results suggest that in the aftermath of a trauma such as childhood cancer, many outcomes are possible, including thriving.

Key Words: thriving • psychosocial • resilience • cancer survivorship • childhood cancer

Qualitative Health Research, Vol. 15, No. 8, 1055-1073 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1049732305277860


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