Talking Pictures Social Media Intervention in Reducing Depressive Symptoms and Improving Spiritual Well-Being and Quality of Life in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week application (app)-based intervention.

II. To assess the impact of the intervention on depressive symptoms, spiritual well-being and quality of life.

III. To examine the content of participants recorded narratives for salient themes related to weekly content areas (e.g. identity, meaning-making, hopes, fears) in order to better understand the unique experiences and challenges of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients.

OUTLINE:

Participants undergo Talking Pictures social media intervention for 10 weeks, receiving weekly assignments via email with requirements to use the Pixstori app to take and upload photographs with verbal narratives attached to a website. Participants can then share their pixstories to a group page and view and respond to others' pixstories.

After completion of study, participants are followed up at 2 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Adolescent and young adult cancer patients who were diagnosed within three years
• English comprehension in written and oral format
• Current possession of a smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera and wifi capacity or data plan
• Valid email address
• Pregnant women will be included if they meet eligibility requirements

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of mental retardation, severe or untreated psychopathology (e.g. schizophrenia), or dementia
• Adults unable to consent: Will not include
• Prisoners will not be included given lack of access to smartphone