Psychosocial Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize and evaluate the studies published since 2007 on psychosocial interventions designed for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Ovid, and PsycINFO.

CONCLUSION

Our review confirms that the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions for AYA is still in its infancy. Only five studies were identified and these generally had small samples and limited results.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

It is important for nurses to assess the needs of AYA. Incorporating creative ways for AYA to express their needs and self-reflect seems to be critically important and may help AYA cope positively with the cancer experience.