Experiencing Social Isolation (Even in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown): Teachings Through Arts from Adolescents with Cancer

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2021 Jun;10(3):346-350. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0075. Epub 2020 Aug 7.

Abstract

The article describes how adolescents with cancer utilized an artistic approach to discuss about their social isolation caused by disease and treatment. With the help of professionals, 17 young patients closed in their isolation room described their ideal room (a bit real, a bit of a fantasy place) producing texts and images, subsequently put together into a book. In these days when people are forced to social isolation by the lockdown related to corovavirus disease 2019 pandemic, young patients teach us meaningful life lessons: how social confinement can become an opportunity to focus on yourself, and what is really important in life.

Keywords: COVID-19; adolescents; art; project; social isolation; support.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Art Therapy*
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Isolation*
  • Young Adult