Thriving Beyond Surviving: An Examination of the Role Support Groups Play in Enhancing Later Cognitive and Social Development of Pediatric Cancer Patients

Indianapolis, IN

Adult survivors of pediatric cancer are at risk of developing “late effects” which are deficiencies in physical, cognitive, and/or social functioning that are usually due to long-term cancer treatment and hospitalization at a young age. These late effects can significantly impact survivors’ well-being and prevent them from leading successful, independent lives. The aim of our research was to investigate whether participation in cancer-related support groups could lessen the impact of late effects. Specifically, we examined whether the degree of engagement with cancer-related support groups was related to the level of cognitive and social functioning in adult pediatric cancer survivors. Through an online questionnaire, we assessed the cognitive ability and social development of survivors who had participated in cancer-related support groups. We then utilized regression procedures to compare survivors’ scores with their support group involvement and with published cognitive and social functioning data from the general pediatric cancer survivor population. Preliminary results indicated that the degree of satisfaction with support groups was positively correlated with performance on cognitive measures. Conversely, support group engagement did not appear to be related to life satisfaction. These results will continue to be further explored and discussed. Psychology