Differences in Psychological Coping with Illness During the Treatment and Survivorship Phases in Adolescents According to Age and Sex

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Abstract
Introduction: Despite the importance of addressing different stages of cancer, there is a lack of data on how these stages relate to coping strategies. This study aims to analyze coping strategies among adolescents with cancer by comparing two distinct time points, the treatment phase and the post-treatment phase, with a particular focus on age and gender. Methodology: A total of 201 cancer patients aged 12 to 17 years from Alicante, Valencia, and Madrid participated in the study. They completed a Demographic and Clinical Data Form questionnaire capturing age, gender, and illness phase, along with the ACS to assess coping strategies. Results: During the treatment phase, strategies such as “worrying”, “stress reduction”, “ignoring the problem”, and “self-blame” were used more frequently than during the follow-up phase, revealing notable changes in emotional management between the two stages. Gender differences were observed in the first three strategies. Conclusions: The coping strategies of adolescents with cancer vary significantly between the treatment and follow-up phases, with greater use of certain strategies during treatment and a decline in their use post-treatment. These findings highlight the evolving emotional demands of each stage and emphasize the need for targeted interventions that address the specific coping needs unique to each phase. Such targeted interventions in clinical settings could support emotional management by adapting strategies to the distinct challenges faced by adolescents during treatment and post-treatment phases.

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