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Description
Background: During the adolescent stage (13-18), individuals go through role confusion and seek much of their validation from their fellow peers. Forming a strong sense of community is crucial in this stage of development as it helps with creating a foundation for who they want to become. Chemotherapy strips this aspect of socialization due to its ability to suppress the immune system. When socialization is taken away, adolescents face loneliness, which greatly impacts their development. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to look into the adolescent population undergoing chemotherapy and help them aid the lack of socialization caused by chemotherapy. Methods: The adolescents will participate in surveys and questionnaires to help reflect the effectiveness of the community programs created to minimize isolation. The surveys will be easily accessible with the use of their smartphone, allowing them to reflect on their experience and provide feedback to the nurses. Data Collection and Analysis: This research has not been initiated yet, however the anticipated results are improved mental health outcomes within the adolescents, allowing for enhanced socialization with their peers during their treatment journey. Conclusion: Screening for feelings of loneliness is relevant to nursing to help improve individualized care with pediatric cancer patients, especially during this crucial time. This proposal will help with educating nurses on the psychosocial effects of chemotherapy in the adolescent population.
Department
Nursing
Faculty Mentor(s)
Kendra Hoepper DNP, APRN, PNP-BC
Publication Date
2025
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
Scholarly Creative Works Conference, Dominican University of California
City
San Rafael, CA
Keywords
Chemotherapy, chemo, cancer treatment, oncology AND adolescents, teenagers, young adults, teen, youth AND psychosocial
Disciplines
Child Psychology | Community Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Nursing | Oncology | Pediatric Nursing
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Oncology Commons, Pediatric Nursing Commons