Student or Patient: Exploring the School Perceptions of Children With Cancer

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Motivation and Cognition in Varied Contexts

Abstract

Children with cancer often cannot attend typical community-based schools due to a multitude of illness and treatment related barriers. For those that can attend school in some manner, little is known about how they experience concurrent cancer therapy and school attendance. This study used phenomenological theory and methodology to explore the school perceptions of twenty children with cancer aged 6 to12 years. Using semi-structured interviews and interview-elicited drawings, themes related to social difficulties, confusion about schooling transitions, and changes in academic motivation emerged. These findings highlight both the need to better educate children with cancer about their diagnosis and treatment, as well as for schooling programs that maximize socialization opportunities and offer motivational accommodations and interventions.

Authors

• Jessika Boles, The University of Memphis

• Denise Lynne Winsor, The University of Memphis

• Belinda Mandrell, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

• Jami Gattuso, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital