Through the lens: The feasibility and acceptability of an online meaning-making photovoice group among young adult cancer survivors

ABSTRACT

Young adults (ages 18–39) living with cancer often encounter developmental disruptions placing them at risk for anxiety, depression, social isolation, and a lost sense of meaning. To support their sense of belonging, meaning, and illness adaption, the authors developed Through the Lens: Living Beyond Young Adult Cancer, a virtual 8-week synchronous, meaning-centered photovoice group intervention. The study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of intervention among young adult survivors. Data collection centered on recruitment, group attendance, retention, and exit interview data evaluating barriers and facilitators to participation, and ease and comfort with photovoice group methods. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of participants’ exit interviews. Findings present descriptive results and quotes of the survivors’ (n = 11) experiences who participated in two 8-week series of the intervention. Group members found the intervention feasible and acceptable and shared practical strategies to enhance the intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Photovoice
• young adult
• cancer survivor
• meaning-making
• virtual group work

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the YA group members for their participation and intervention feedback, the IASWG for their sponsorship and endorsement, and Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana and Lacuna Loft for their support of this project.

Disclosure statement

This work was supported by the International Association for Social Work with Groups.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by The International Association for Social Work with Groups [SPARC Award 2020].