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Analytic Auto Ethnography on Cancer: Implications for Develo** Leisure Based Oncology Support Programs

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Abstract

Oncology support group leaders may benefit from the narratives of their patients coupled with the use of theory. In the case of this analytic auto-ethnography, professionals will gain insights into the process and value of post-traumatic growth as well as the usefulness of opportunities to socially compare with peer oncology patients. The following is an auto-ethnographical account of the first author’s personal journey with cancer through the review of a journal kept during and after treatment. This approach allowed for both depth and breadth of understanding from a personal experience with illness coupled with the application and understanding of theory applied to that personal journey. Two major themes emerged centered on the value of social comparison opportunities with others that are experiencing cancer as well as the evolution of emotions leading to post traumatic growth. Implications for practice center on develo** therapeutic recreation-based oncology support programs using the theoretical lenses of post traumatic growth as well as social comparisons in illness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Recreation, Park, & Leisure Administration, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI, USA

    Shay Dawson

  2. College of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Rasul Mowatt

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  1. Shay Dawson
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  2. Rasul Mowatt
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Correspondence to Shay Dawson.

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Dawson, S., Mowatt, R. Analytic Auto Ethnography on Cancer: Implications for Develo** Leisure Based Oncology Support Programs. Int J Sociol Leis 5, 269–281 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41978-022-00106-w

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