Defining self-disclosure of personal cancer coping experiences in oncology social workers’ helping relationships: When cancer “hits home”

Abstract

Purpose

Oncology social workers are increasingly finding themselves diagnosed with or caring for a loved one with cancer. Self-disclosure may be useful for building a therapeutic alliance. Yet, practice-informed guidelines for psychosocial oncology providers do not exist.

Research Approach

Twenty-three psychosocial oncology providers diagnosed with and/or providing care to someone with cancer completed semi-structured interviews eliciting attitudes and utilization regarding self-disclosure.

Methodological Approach

Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using grounded theory’s constant comparative method, researchers conducted open and theoretical coding.

Findings

Participants expressed consensus in defining, and reported a range of evolving practices regarding, self-disclosure. Recommendations for responsible self-disclosure included self-awareness, ongoing assessment, supervision, and enhanced educational programming.

Interpretation and Implication

Therapeutic tools must evolve as core features of psychosocial oncology care. A flexible and context-specific framework for clinician self-disclosure related to personal experiences with cancer can guide oncology social work practice.

Keywords:

• caregiving
• oncology
• self-disclosure
• social work education
• supervision
• therapeutic alliance

Acknowledgements

This research was completed by the first author, Kimberly Lawson DSW, in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for Doctorate in Social Work. The authorship team is grateful to Al Lawson for his unflinching support and for ensuring Kimberly’s legacy lives on.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by American Cancer Society Grant #: 128140-DSW-15-082-1-SW