Young Cancer Survivor Connections: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Online Communication, Social Support, and Unmet Needs
Abstract
Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) are an understudied population that experiences greater psychosocial distress and unmet needs compared to other age groups (19; 85) and unique needs for social support (226). This study examined how young adult cancer survivors (YACS) access social support online and in person, and how social support is related to long-term adjustment. Methods: The study consisted of Phase 1: qualitative interviews with 15 YACS related to online and in-person social support; Phase 2: cognitive interviews with 10 YACS piloting survey questions, and Phase 3: survey of 158 YACS. Results: YACS participated in a variety of online support formats including blogs, Facebook, anonymous forums, and Twitter. YACS also described developing multiple types of cancer social network roles and in-person support activities. Having a larger number of general social network roles ( = .190, B = .062, p = .026) and types of connections with other cancer survivors ( = .207, B = .055, p = .024) is associated with higher levels of social support. Social support is associated with better long-term adjustment to cancer, i.e. greater positive impact of cancer ( = .226, p = .005), lower negative impact of cancer ( = -.347, p < .001), and fewer unmet emotional needs ( = .393, p < .001). Having a wider variety of general social network roles and cancer social network roles is indirectly associated with better long-term adjustment to cancer through its association with increased social support. Participating in more online support activities or a higher number of in-person support activities was not associated with social support.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 08, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1127912
Entities
People
- Michal C. Moskowitz
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences