Examining the emotional healing process through bibliotherapy in adolescents with cancer: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate how interactive bibliotherapy impacted the emotional healing process of adolescents with cancer, drawing upon the three-stage emotional healing process theory–identification, catharsis, and insight.

Method

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted on data from 14 adolescents, aged 10–19 years, diagnosed with or relapsing from leukemia or osteosarcoma within the past two years. Participants received two interactive bibliotherapy sessions using The Rabbit Listened and You Are Special. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and content analyzed.

Results

Analysis identified six themes in The Rabbit Listened and eight in You Are Special. Adolescents primarily engaged in identification, empathizing with protagonists and recalling personal experiences. They underwent catharsis, releasing negative emotions and fostering positivity. Insights emerged on companionship, listening, and others’ criticism.

Conclusions

Our study validates the use of the three-stage emotional healing process in interdisciplinary bibliotherapy for understanding emotional changes in adolescents with cancer. It sheds light on their concerns and coping strategies. Healthcare practitioners can utilize interactive bibliotherapy based on this framework to initiate therapeutic communication with adolescent cancer patients and improve interventions and care.