DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2025.2505728">
 

Exploring peer loss and survivor guilt among young adult survivors of childhood cancer

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

Department/School

Psychology

Publication Title

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

Abstract

Background: there are nearly 500,000 childhood cancer survi-
vors in the United states, and emerging evidence suggests at
least 25% of these survivors have lost a peer to cancer. the
current study investigated the nature of peer loss in a sample
of young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Methods: survivors (n = 63) completed an online survey includ-
ing measures of peer loss, survivor guilt (interpersonal Guilt
Questionnaire) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (Ptss;
Posttraumatic stress Disorder checklist for DsM-5). Relations
between peer loss, survivor guilt, and Ptss were assessed.

Results: survivor guilt and Ptss were significantly correlated.
survivor guilt accounted for 6% of variance in Ptss beyond
variance explained by other risk factors. Peer loss was not sig-
nificantly correlated with survivor guilt or posttraumatic stress
symptoms.
Discussion: survivor guilt is a significant concern for childhood
cancer survivors. increased screening and intervention are war-
ranted to reduce the impact of survivor guilt and related symp-
toms. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of peer
loss on childhood cancer survivors given its lack of association
with survivor guilt or Ptss.

Comments

M. Byrd is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Psychology.

*A. Neenan is a doctoral student in EMU's Department of Psychology.

Link to Published Version

DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2025.2505728

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