Internalized stigma among pediatric patients with osteosarcoma and retinoblastoma in Guatemala, Jordan, and Zimbabwe.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Internalized stigma adversely impacts childhood cancer survivors, limiting their ability to reintegrate with their communities and maintain social networks. However, the impact of internalized stigma on children undergoing cancer treatment is unknown, and no interventions exist to mitigate it. The Activating Events-Beliefs-Consequences (ABC) model from Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) has been used to analyze internalized stigma and inform interventional work. This study employs the ABC model as a conceptual framework to explore how internalized stigma manifests for children recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma and retinoblastoma in Guatemala, Jordan, and Zimbabwe.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with nine adolescent patients (aged 12-18), 28 ca

SUBMITTER: Williams AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12920227 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature