What effect does treating cancer patients have on radiation therapy students' identity development?

The aim of this research was to determine what effect treating cancer patients has on the ability of radiation therapy students to develop their own identity. It is important that radiation therapists have a sense of self so they can enter fully into relationships with patients and other health professionals, and develop sound coping mechanisms to face the challenges of the clinical environment. This research was conducted utilising a qualitative case study approach, with a class of 30 Year Two young adult radiation therapy students. Twenty‐one of the 30 students completed an open‐ended questionnaire. The research findings show that this cohort of radiation therapy students is developing a new set of values, beliefs and goals, partially as a result of their interactions with cancer patients. Four main themes were identified: concern for family and friends, emotional aspects of treating cancer patients, the feeling of a sense of pride in their profession and a development of a greater awareness of themselves as individuals. Using the criteria of identity developed by James Marcia, some students expressed a strong sense of who they are as an individual with a sense of identity. However, for others, the clinical experience has caused them to actively struggle for a sense of who they are as a person as they searched for ways to cope. This research suggests that strategies such as counselling, supervision or mentorship could be useful for radiation therapy students so they can explore their feelings and be able to implement appropriate coping mechanisms.