Abstract

BORGES-DE-MELLO-DOS-SANTOS, Daniele  and  DONATO-OLIVA, Angela. Positive emotions and resilience from the perspective of adolescents with cancer. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2021, vol.17, n.1, pp. 39-47. ISSN 1808-5687.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1808-5687.20210006.

This study investigates the relationship between two constructs: positivity (positive emotions) and resilience from the perspective of adolescents with cancer. OBJECTIVES: Measure positive and negative emotions and the participants resilience. PARTICIPANTS: 10 adolescents, between 12 and 18 years old, with cancer undergoing treatment. INSTRUMENTS: positivity test, resilience scale and semi structured interview. PROCEDURE: Participants answered the tests and were interviewed. Field information was carried out in person, within a 3-month interval. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The positivity test showed a higher rate of positive emotions than negative emotions. The most scored positive emotions were: gratitude, love and hope. All participants exhibited a high level of resilience, but this variable only showed a significant correlation with spirituality. CONCLUSION: Although no direct correlation was found between positive emotions and resilience, both presented an alternative association, supported by gratitude. It was concluded that, for this sample, the strengthening of spirituality, through the continuous exercise of gratitude, seems to increase these adolescents well-being and resilience. This suggests a promising path for future investigations.

Keywords : Emotions; Resilience; Psychological; Adolescent.

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