| In this dissertation I systematically reviewed and analyzed literature about mindfulness interventions with children and literature about symptoms experienced by children with cancer. Based on this review and analysis I identified target symptoms prevalent in children with cancer during the first six months of treatment, selected mindfulness activities adapted for children ages 7 to 11 that had been utilized to alleviate similar symptoms, and created a mindfulness based activity workbook for children with cancer, ages 7 to 11. Target symptoms identified were anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and nausea. The mindfulness activities selected were: introduction to mindfulness, mindful breathing exercises, sitting yoga pose, and visualization thought parade activity. The mindfulness activity workbook created consists of a story and an activity segment. The story segment is illustrated and follows the main character, a Chihuahua puppy, as she visits other animal characters experiencing different symptoms of cancer. Each of the characters she encounters teaches her a mindfulness activity. The activity segment of the workbook provides step-by-step instruction for learning the activities.;The workbook was evaluated by a panel of eight experts: one pediatric oncologist, one nurse, one social worker, one 2nd grade teacher, one children's book publisher, one child life specialist, and two parents with children diagnosed with cancer. They completed a Likert scale evaluation questionnaire and were interviewed about their evaluations of the workbook. Their ratings and interviews were qualitatively analyzed. They found the workbook book appropriate, engaging and for the most part would recommend its use for children with cancer and their parents. They strongly agreed that the activities in the workbook were suitable for children with cancer, and that the symptoms addressed occurred in the first 6 months of treatment. Some suggestions for improvements included targeting a narrower and younger age range, children 6 to 9, in the design and illustrations, and to convey a realistic hospital setting in the illustrations. It emerged that there was some sensitivity among parents regarding the use of the word cancer and that the workbook would benefit from the addition of a psycho-educational preface about the merits of using accurate medical terminology with children. |
