Adaptation in children with cancer: Research with Roy's model

This qualitative study was undertaken to establish a conceptual framework f or the adaptation process of Taiwanese children with cancel: It was guided by Roy's adaptation model. Thirty-four pediatric cancer patients (23 boys a nd II girls) with different illness trajectories (from newly diagnosed to t erminal stage) participated. Data were collected through individual in-dept h interviews with patients and primary caregivers, observations, medical ch art review and researchers' reflective journals. The following five aspects of adaptation that emerged from the study were categorized according to di fferent age groups: physiological and psychological, cognitive (self-concep t), interdependence, and future orientation (self-concept and role). Compar ison with Roy's adaptation theory is discussed.