Role of Peer Support in Posttraumatic Growth Among Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Patients and Survivors with Pediatric and AYA Cancer

Abstract Purpose Adolescents and young adults (AYA) who undergo cancer treatment sometimes report posttraumatic growth (PTG) and experience posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Although the importance of peer support has been demonstrated, its association with PTG, especially in the five, distinct domains of PTG, needs to be investigated further in AYA cancer survivors. The present study examined the role of demographics, peer support, and PTSS in PTG among AYA cancer patients and survivors. MethodsThe present, multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective, web-based study enrolled AYA cancer patients and survivors (median age 28 years). Of 549 AYA patients recruited, 212 patients from 11 cancer centers and 12 cancer patient communities agreed to participate by completing a self-reported measure of PTG (PTGIX-J) and providing information about their diagnosis, treatment, peer support (affiliation with an AYA patient community or friendship with other AYA cancer patients), social status, and PTSS. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify significant correlates in the total score and five PTG domains. ResultsIn general, PTG was positively associated with male sex, years since diagnosis, having a confidant, and friendship with other AYA cancer patients. PTG was not significantly related to age, age at diagnosis, affiliation to an AYA patient community or PTSS. Friendship with other AYA cancer patients was positively associated with all five PTG subscales. PTSS was not associated with PTG but was associated with a subscale of “appreciation of life”. For the five subscale scores, “belonging to a religion” was positively associated with “spiritual change,” and “having a confidant” and “a good relationship with siblings” were positively associated with “appreciation of life.” Conclusion “Having a confidant” and “friendship with other AYA cancer patients” was positively associated with PTG. Psychosocial interventions mobilizing peer support can potentially contribute to promoting PTG in AYA cancer patients.