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Published on: February 7, 2025
A writing workshop for children with cancer
D Oppenheim1, V Pittolo, C Gericot
1Paediatrics Department, Psycho-oncology Unit, Gustave Roussy Cancer Institute, Rue Camille Desmoulins, Villejuif, France. openheim@igr.fr
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment express profound emotions and existential questions through writing. Their creative expression fosters self-confidence and aids healthcare providers in understanding patient needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Child Psychology
- Creative Arts Therapies
Background:
- Cancer treatment significantly impacts children's emotional and psychological well-being.
- Understanding the subjective experiences of pediatric cancer patients is crucial for holistic care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze creative writing produced by pediatric cancer patients.
- To identify key themes and emotional expressions within their narratives.
- To explore how writing impacts self-perception and patient-provider relationships.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of short texts written by children and adolescents in a cancer treatment setting.
- Thematic identification of expressed emotions, fears, hopes, and existential questions.
- Consideration of patient age, academic level, and cognitive capacity.
Main Results:
- Patients communicate intense experiences: fear of injections/treatment, fear of not being cured, revolt, hope, and unreality.
- Writing allows patients to express feelings, thoughts, and creativity, affirming their identity.
- This process can enhance self-confidence and trust in caregivers' understanding.
Conclusions:
- Creative writing offers a valuable outlet for pediatric cancer patients to process their experiences.
- The insights gained can improve physician and nurse perception of patient needs and abilities.
- Enhancing patient-provider relationships through understanding subjective experiences is vital.
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