Social interactions and psychosocial development of adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors: a scoping review of qualitative research

Abstract

Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) sometimes experience disruption and changes in social interactions owing to their childhood cancer experience and subsequent late effects. Additionally, they are undergoing psychosocial development and establishing their social identities. This study aimed to explore previous findings on the qualitative characteristics of developmental and social interactions among AYA-CCSs. This scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were searched for terms related to social interactions and psychosocial development among AYA-CCSs from January 2004 to May 2022. This review included 22 references from 11 countries published from 2011 to 2022. Content related to AYA social interactions and psychosocial development was coded and classified into 10 categories based on the social well-being model of quality of life for cancer survivors, with 26 subcategories created based on content similarity. Most descriptions fell under the categories of Family and Roles and relationships. In “Roles and Relationships,” it is stated that close interactions with friends help maintain a strong sense of self-identity, whereas the experience of losing friends is a negative experience that affects developmental discrepancies. Therefore, it can be said that relationships in one's surroundings have both positive and negative effects on identity formation during adolescence. Social interaction is an essential factor supporting the psychosocial development of AYA-CCSs. The ability to develop positive relationships with those around them and to find their roles in society may facilitate the development of their identity.