Open AccessThe Photographs of Meaning Program for Pediatric Palliative Caregivers and Its Impact on Meaning, Well-Being, and Perceived Social Support
Author(s) -
Kathryn Levy,
Pei C Grant,
Rachel M. Depner,
Kelly E. Tenzek,
Lynda Kwon Beaupin,
Megan E. Pailler,
Erin Brewer-Spritzer
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
palliative medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2689-2820
DOI - 10.1089/pmr.2020.0046
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , psychology , social support , palliative care , scale (ratio) , intervention (counseling) , test (biology) , population , flourishing , clinical psychology , nursing , medicine , social psychology , psychotherapist , paleontology , physics , environmental health , quantum mechanics , biology
Background: Caring for a child or adolescent with palliative care needs can significantly influence the physical, mental, financial, and social well-being of caregivers. Due to this multifaceted impact, there is a demand for evidence-based support that meets the distinct needs of this population. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect the Photographs of Meaning Program (POM) has on meaning and purpose, well-being, and perceived social support of pediatric palliative caregivers (PPCGs). Design: Over an eight-week period, participants followed a meaning-making curriculum via social media. Following the social media portion of the intervention, a reflection and closure event and a community photograph exhibit were held. Participants completed pre- and post-test measures. Setting/Subjects: Eighteen PPCGs participated in POM. Settings included participant homes, the medical campus of the palliative care program, and a community art gallery. Measurements: Participant meaning and purpose were assessed through the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. The Flourishing Scale measured PPCG well-being, while the Social Provisions Scale assessed perceived social support. Participants were also given a satisfaction survey at study closure. Results: Presence ( p = 0.003) and search ( p = 0.023) for meaning were both positively impacted at post-test. Participants' ratings of well-being ( p = 0.037), overall social support ( p = 0.004), areas of attachment ( p = 0.003), social integration ( p = 0.026), reassurance of worth ( p = 0.002), and guidance ( p = 0.014) significantly increased from pre- to post-test. Conclusions: POM is an effective social media-based intervention for PPCGs. Future research should assess the effectiveness of this intervention in populations with differing demographics and its effect on other psychosocial indicators.