Young adult cancer survivors' experiences with a mindful self-compassion (MSC) video-chat intervention: A qualitative analysis. Issue 6 (2nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lathren, Christine; Bluth, Karen; Campo, Rebecca; Tan, Winfield; Futch, Will
• Is Part Of: Self and identity. Volume 17:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 646
• Page End: 665
• Publication Date: 2018-11-02
• Subjects: Young adult cancer survivorship -- distress -- mental health intervention -- qualitative analysis -- mindful self-compassion; Self -- Periodicals; Identity (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Cognition -- Periodicals; Motivation (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2018.1451363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1529-8868

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) are a vulnerable population that reports high anxiety, social isolation, and feelings of inadequacy after cancer treatment completion. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) provides strategies for coping with suffering. We explored how MSC practices addressed the psychosocial needs of a nationally recruited YACS sample ( N = 20, all female, age M = 27.00, various cancer types) that participated in an 8-week MSC video-chat intervention. Descriptive qualitative analysis of the intervention recordings revealed three YACS' psychosocial needs: peer isolation, body concerns, and health-related anxiety. MSC practices addressed these in a number of ways including: self-reliance for emotional support, common humanity within the YACS community, gratitude, self-kindness, and acceptance. Meanwhile, the body scan practice initially triggered distress for some; implications are discussed.