| The purpose of this study was to explore the use of humor in pediatric oncology patients as a coping mechanism using an ethnographic methodology. Through interviews and observations, 15 pediatric oncology patients (POPs) were given the opportunity to share the ways in which they used humor to cope with cancer. The children in this study ranged from 9 to 16 years of age.;The interviews were directed toward understanding perspectives of the lives, experiences, and situations expressed by the participants. The following research questions were examined: (1) How do pediatric oncology patients use humor to respond to the symptoms and physical impact of their illness? (2) How do pediatric oncology patients use humor to cope with their self-concept and relationships with others? (3) How do pediatric oncology patients use humor to cope with the affective and existential issues created by their illness? (4) How do pediatric oncology patients use humor as a form of communication with one another? and (5) How do pediatric oncology patients use humor to help talk about things that frighten them?;From transcripts, the researcher identified and compared common themes. The 5 major themes that emerged from the data were: (a) the shock of the diagnosis; (b) personal coping mechanisms and peer support for body image changes; (c) the importance of humor in hospital staff relationships; (d) the value of the camp experience; and (e) having faith and hope.;This study has relevance for hospital staff, nurses, and child life/child development staff who work with chronically ill children for several reasons. The POPs in this study revealed that they used humor only after they had dealt with the realization that they had cancer and absorbed the vast amounts of information given to them. The participants demonstrated that they needed honesty from the people they trusted to care for them while in the hospital. They also stated they could not joke or tease until they had established their own relationship with individuals. |
