425 - “Just write what feels correct and write it from the heart”: Advice from Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer Regarding the Impact of a Patient-Centered Narrative Writing Intervention

Publication Number: 425.3613

Drew S. Lubber, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Freehold, NJ, United States; Ryan N. James, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States; Rebecca E. England, UTHSC Memphis, Memphis, TN, United States; Erica Kaye, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States; Trisha K. Paul, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States

Background: Cancer introduces significant psychosocial challenges for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), with many reporting feelings of isolation, loneliness, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Data suggest that engagement with narrative writing may have a positive influence on adolescent wellbeing; however, the potential impact of narrative interventions in the AYA cancer patient population remains under-explored.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the perspectives of AYA patients with cancer who participated in a structured narrative writing intervention, with a particular focus on their advice to other AYA patients about engaging in narrative-based activities.

Design/Methods: In this qualitative longitudinal study, AYA cancer patients aged 15-25 years participated in a structured, guided writing intervention over 4 months, followed by a semi-structured interview about their experience. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and underwent content analysis to characterize key themes.

Results: 20 patients engaged with the writing intervention, and 19 patients completed the interview (1 patient died prior to the interview). When asked about their advice for future AYA cancer patients, 19/19 (100%) of participants emphasized the importance of encouraging future AYA patients to write about their illness experiences. Five main themes were identified across participant advice, including empowerment, reassurance, honesty, collaboration, and patience, reinforcing the unanimous perception by participants of the potential for a writing intervention to positively impact future AYA cancer patients.

Conclusion(s): AYA cancer patients who participated in a patient-centered writing intervention encouraged future patients to write about their illness experiences. Further research is needed to delineate the impact of writing and storytelling on biopsychosocial outcomes for AYA patients with cancer.