The resilience factor: What extension can learn from adolescents coping with parental cancer

Kerri L. Ashurst, Jason D. Hans, Donna R. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using a developmental systems framework and grounded theory methods, the study reported here describes the psychosocial experiences of late adolescents coping with parental cancer. Results suggest three primary psychosocial developmental influences, including multilevel influences, coping strategies to maintain control, and responses to uncertainty and anticipatory grief. Identity and intimacy were the two most salient psychosocial tasks. The central unifying concept of resilience was the primary psychosocial developmental outcome that resulted from coping with parental cancer during late adolescence. This finding illuminates the need for Extension to expand its focus on positive outcomes that can result from coping with life crises during adolescence.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Extension
Volume47
Issue number2
StatePublished - Apr 2009

Keywords

  • Adolescent psychosocial development
  • Illness in the family
  • Parental cancer
  • Resilience
  • Risk and protective factors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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