Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the posttraumatic growth of young cancer survivors and the influence of posttraumatic growth on prosocial leadership.
Conceptual Framework. The conceptual framework of this study intersects three primary research topics: the five domains associated with posttraumatic growth theory, prosocial leadership, and the adolescent and young adult cancer population. This framework was used to examine the specific impact that growth after trauma can have on young adult breast cancer survivors who serve as prosocial leaders in the cancer community.
Research Methodology. To answer how posttraumatic growth after surviving cancer influenced the motivations, behaviors, and impact of young adult prosocial leaders, the qualitative, phenomenological research design provided an effective way to understand the phenomenon, directly communicate with the participants, and include the descriptive narratives of the lived experiences of young breast cancer survivors who help other cancer survivors.
Findings and Conclusions. The study findings indicated that the two domains of posttraumatic growth most prevalent in motivating and guiding the actions of these prosocial leaders were the openness to new possibilities and the development of deeper relationships following cancer trauma. The findings also confirmed and expanded the literature regarding the distinct needs and challenges unique to the AYA population, including issues of identity, parenthood, and isolation from their peers that arise from being diagnosed with cancer at such a pivotal stage of development in life.
Recommendations. This study contributes to the limited literature focused on the relationship between young women diagnosed with cancer and prosocial behavior and leadership. More research is needed to explore the role of PTG on prosocial leadership, and to better understand how to create a more supported and directed path to prosocial leadership for young survivors and increase the quality of age-appropriate social support for the AYA cancer population.