Identity formation in adolescent and emerging adult cancer survivors
A differentiated perspective and associations with psychosocial functioning
Bibliographic Data
OBJECTIVE: Identity formation was investigated in adolescent and emerging adult cancer survivors from a (neo-)Eriksonian perspective by comparing survivors to control participants. In survivors, associations between identity and clinical/demographical variables and general and illness-specific functioning were investigated. DESIGN: : 19.54; 47% male) were matched on age and gender with healthy controls (2:1). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants completed identity questionnaires. Survivors reported on demographics, well-being (depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, physical functioning), and illness-specific experiences (PTSS, illness centrality, cancer self-identity, benefit finding, cancer-related worries). Medical records provided clinical information. RESULTS: Survivors did not differ from controls on identity synthesis or confusion or on the identity statuses resulting from cluster analysis on the identity dimensions (achievement, foreclosure, moratorium, diffusion). Identity synthesis related to better well-being and illness experiences, whereas confusion related to worse well-being and illness experiences. Youth in moratorium and diffusion reported lower well-being and more negative illness experiences. Associations between identity and demographical and clinical characteristics were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed no significant differences in identity formation between cancer survivors and controls. However, survivors who struggle in their identity quest should be identified as they are at risk for poorer well-being and negative illness experiences
Cancer · Developmental psychology · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Cancer survivorship and care · Childhood Cancer Survivors' Quality of Life · Clinical Psychology · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Medicine · Psychology · Internal Medicine
Processes of Personal Identity Formation and Evaluation
The Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES)
Cluster Analysis
Translation, Validation, and Norming of the Dutch Language Version of the SF-36 Health Survey in Community and Chronic Disease Populations
Measuring Identity From an Eriksonian Perspective
Unpacking commitment and exploration
The Satisfaction With Life Scale
Identity—Youth and Crisis
Identity Distress Throughout Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Correlated and Coupled Trajectories of Cancer-Related Worries and Depressive Symptoms among Long-Term Cancer Survivors
Capturing ruminative exploration
Identity Structure and Processes in Adolescence
Examining the Light and Dark Sides of Emerging Adults’ Identity
From trust on intimacy
Symptoms of depression in adolescence
Variation in narrative identity is associated with trajectories of mental health over several years
Development and validation of ego-identity status
Adolescent Cancer Survivors
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |