The Effects of Group Therapy on Adolescents with Cancer

The value of group therapy for adolescents with cancer has not been well documented. This quasi-experimental and descriptive study was completed to determine the effects of participation in a support group on measures of psychosocial functioning of adolescents with cancer and to describe the process and content of such a group. Seven control and seven experimental subjects were tested prior to beginning the group and again following its completion. Descriptive data were obtained from a process log of the sessions and from participant evaluations. Descriptive findings suggest that the group may have had therapeutic value for the participants by helping them cope with such stresses as over-protective parents and isolation from peers. Empirical findings showed no significant differences on any measures of psychosocial functioning. Results of the study implied that adolescents with cancer may benefit from having a specific time to discuss concerns. However, further study is needed with a larger sample and improved methodology in order to support this finding empirically.