Reel reflections: the role of entertainment media narratives in coping among young adult cancer survivors

Abstract

Introduction

Young adult cancer survivors (YACS; ages 18–39) report a significant psychological burden. Entertainment media narratives (e.g., books, movies, shows that are produced for mass consumption) might be an effective tool for reducing this distress, although little is known about present use among YACS.

Method

YACS completed a survey about their use of entertainment media narratives to cope with cancer using an adapted version of the Brief COPE. Additionally, YACS reported their use of entertainment media narratives to start conversations about their experience with others, and they described features of entertainment media narratives that they found helpful in coping.

Results

We recruited 108 YACS from three recruitment sites. Most participants were White (n = 65), female (n = 54), and recruited from Prolific (n = 56), an Internet-based, crowdsourced data collection platform. Participants were, on average, 30 years old and 45 months from the completion of their primary cancer treatment. YACS who used entertainment media to cope with cancer (n = 32; 29.6%) were significantly younger and significantly closer to the end of their primary treatment. Compared to nonusers, users of entertainment media narratives to cope were also more likely to identify as Black; identifying as Black was associated with a 2.05-factor increase in using narrative entertainment media to cope with cancer even when controlling for other demographic differences. Additionally, compared to their peers, Black YACS reported greater use of narratives to start cancer-related conversations. Emotional and inspirational storylines were the most helpful story features.

Discussion

Some YACS, especially Black YACS, use stories to cope with their cancer experience. YACS patients could find stories useful in exploring their cancer-related emotions, although the exact benefits are still unknown.

Keywords:

• Adolescents and young adults
• psychological well-being

Classifications:

• Adolescents and young adults
• Survivorship
• Anxiety/depression
• Quality of life
• Quantitative qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by the Margaret Blanchard Dissertation Award and the Minnie S. and Eli A. Rubinstein Research Award, both granted by the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The content is solely the responsibility of the author and does not represent the official views of the University of North Carolina.