Perceived benefits and challenges of psychosocial service uses for adolescents and young survivors of childhood cancer

ABSTRACT

Psychosocial services for cancer survivors are critical for improving their quality of life after cancer. Despite a growing number of childhood cancer survivors in Korea, there is limited understanding of service experiences that support their psychosocial adjustment. This study provides a description of childhood cancer survivors’ experiences with a range of psychosocial services and the perceived benefits and challenges of such services. In-depth interviews regarding experiences using psychosocial services were conducted with 30 adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

The participants noted perceived benefits and challenges of psychosocial services in the following areas: (a) financial and instrumental, (b) psychological counseling, (c) schooling and learning, (d) mentoring, (e) family support, and (f) self-help activities. This study found a strong need to improve existing psychosocial services for childhood cancer survivors and their families in Korea. This study contributes to providing developmentally appropriate psychosocial services to meet the needs of adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

CITATION

Kim, M. A., Yi, J., & Kwonho, C. (2018). Perceived benefits and challenges of psychosocial service uses for adolescents and young survivors of childhood cancer. Health and Social Welfare Review,38(3), pp. 247-278.

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