Navigating Romantic Relationships and Sexual Intimacy: Challenges and Opportunities for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer - A Literature Review of Qualitative Studies.
Nicole Collaço, Céline Bolliger, Charlotte Cairns, Samantha Sodergren, Olga Husson, Winette T A van der Graaf, Maria Rothmund-Grenier, Milou J P Reuvers, Gudrun E Rohde, Anna L Hurley-Wallace, Konstantinos Angoumis, Emily I Holthuis, Lina H Lankhorst, Catarina S Padilla, Simone Hanebaum, Connor J Tyler, Katherine J Hunt, Kirsty Way, Richard Wagland, Thomas J Cartledge, Thom Legendal, Silvie H M Janssen, Anne-Sophie Darlington
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Abstract
Objective: This review explores the impact of cancer on adolescents' and young adults' (AYAs) romantic and sexual relationships, examining both challenges and opportunities.
Methods: Qualitative studies on AYAs with cancer and/or their partners were searched based on a sub-set of studies identified in a previous literature review within the EU Horizon STRONG-AYA project, and supplemented with an additional search on romantic/sexual relationships. Articles were screened, reviewed in Rayyan and data extracted using a structured framework. Study quality was appraised, and findings were synthesised thematically.
Results: Twenty studies were included. Findings revealed how cancer altered AYAs' sense of self, affecting the navigation of romantic relationships and sexual intimacy across four themes: (1) Romantic relationship development-connection, isolation and changing priorities: Disrupted romantic trajectories and fears of being undesirable hindered relationship formation, though some re-evaluated priorities, deepening emotional connections, (2) The disclosure dance: Finding the right time and way: AYAs struggled with when and how to disclose their diagnosis, with anxiety about burdening partners or altering dynamics. Open and honest communication fostered intimacy, (3) Body image, sexuality, intimacy, and fertility: Challenges in these areas impacted self-worth, but also led to sexual empowerment and adapted intimacy, (4) Partnerships and social support during cancer: Unsupportive partners heightened isolation, while supportive partners reinforced self-worth. Many AYAs experienced growth, resilience and a deeper understanding of themselves/their relationships.
Conclusion: Results may inform age-appropriate interventions to adequately address the unique challenges AYAs with cancer face in navigating romantic relationships and sexual intimacy.
期刊介绍：
Psycho-Oncology is concerned with the psychological, social, behavioral, and ethical aspects of cancer. This subspeciality addresses the two major psychological dimensions of cancer: the psychological responses of patients to cancer at all stages of the disease, and that of their families and caretakers; and the psychological, behavioral and social factors that may influence the disease process. Psycho-oncology is an area of multi-disciplinary interest and has boundaries with the major specialities in oncology: the clinical disciplines (surgery, medicine, pediatrics, radiotherapy), epidemiology, immunology, endocrinology, biology, pathology, bioethics, palliative care, rehabilitation medicine, clinical trials research and decision making, as well as psychiatry and psychology.
This international journal is published twelve times a year and will consider contributions to research of clinical and theoretical interest. Topics covered are wide-ranging and relate to the psychosocial aspects of cancer and AIDS-related tumors, including: epidemiology, quality of life, palliative and supportive care, psychiatry, psychology, sociology, social work, nursing and educational issues.
Special reviews are offered from time to time. There is a section reviewing recently published books. A society news section is available for the dissemination of information relating to meetings, conferences and other society-related topics. Summary proceedings of important national and international symposia falling within the aims of the journal are presented.
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