Nicole Cameron

Citation

Thesis Title
The psychosocial interactions of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors and the possible relationship with their development

Ms Cameron aimed to increase the understanding of the psychosocial interactions of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs; aged 16-25 years) with cancer and examine the relationship cancer had with their development. Interviews identified relevant psychosocial interactions and examined the possible developmental impact. Thematic analysis identified six themes. In one year follow-up interviews, half of these themes remained constant and half had changed. Development appeared to be impacted by cancer for all participants, however this impact lessened over a one-year period. A quantitative study involved AYAs sorting psychosocial interactions in a card-sort task, resulting in a multidimensional model. This model showed AYAs conceptualised interactions through both their perception of emotional response, and empathy. Overall, psychosocial interactions and developmental stage appeared to influence AYAs’ experience of cancer. This research proudly contributes to the body of knowledge on AYAs in New Zealand, their psychosocial needs and the way cancer impacts on their development.

Supervisors
Associate Professor Don Baken
Professor Kirsty Ross
Dr David Bimler