Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual therapeutic writing intervention for AYAs with cancer.
Methods: A single-arm pilot study of the intervention was conducted at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. The six-session intervention was facilitated by a writing coach over two to three months, during which time participants produced written work regarding their experiences with cancer. Primary outcomes were measures of acceptability and feasibility, assessed via quantitative and qualitative methods.
Results: Study enrollment and retention rates were 75% and 83%, respectively. Participants rated all intervention sessions as highly enjoyable, helpful, useful, and satisfactory. Qualitatively, participants reported that the intervention helped them cope with their cancer and they would recommend the study to others with cancer.
Conclusions: This virtual therapeutic writing study is feasible and acceptable among AYAs with cancer. A randomized controlled trial should be conducted to test the efficacy of the intervention for improving psychosocial outcomes.
Keywords: Adolescents and young adults; cancer.