Social Connectedness Among Cancer Survivors post-PBT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Social Connectedness Experiences Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Two Years Post-Proton Beam Therapy
IRAS ID
362906
Contact name
Sidonie Powles
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Young people with cancer face significant challenges that affect their mental health, socialisation, education and access to healthcare (Robinson & Hudson, 2014). Social connectedness (SC), the sense of belonging to relationships and networks with family, friends, school and community, is particularly important during adolescence, when young people are developing their identity and building formative relationships (Jose et al., 2012). However, cancer treatment can disrupt SC.
The present study explores how young cancer survivors experience SC two years after completing Proton Beam Therapy (PBT). This research aims to understand how their relationships and sense of belonging may have changed before, during, and after treatment, and what helps and hinders their ability to maintain SC.
We are seeking to recruit 10-20 participants, in accordance with Braun and Clarke's (2019) guidance for sample sizes for UK doctoral projects. The participants we will recruit will be aged 14-24 years who were treated with PBT for cancer at least two years ago. Participants must be able to communicate in English and not currently receiving active cancer treatment or experiencing severe mental health difficulties.
Participants will take part in a one-hour semi-structured interview where they will be asked about their experiences of SC before, during and after their cancer treatment. Interviews will be video and audio-recorded and participants will receive £10 for their time. This study adopts a qualitative approach using reflexive thematic analysis.
This research is important because PBT requires young people to travel far from home for treatment, which may particularly affect their SC. Importantly, this research could help healthcare professionals better understand and support young cancer survivors, ultimately improving care and services for this population.
This study is funded by Canterbury Christ Church University as part of a Clinical Psychology doctorate program.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0211
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion