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It is estimated that between 16 and 18 percent of children/adolescents will be diagnosed with a chronic or terminal disease. Through previous research in this field, we know that these youth have fears surrounding the unpredictability of their future, including fear of death, which often makes them unsure about achieving their hopes and aspirations as adults.

Pediatric cancer is a well-known life-limiting condition; yet currently, there is no well-established psychological intervention in real-world practice specifically designed to help these youth and families. We know that heightened anxiety among youth with cancer results from such life-limiting challenges.

The evidence is clear; anxiety and related problems are prevalent in youth diagnosed with LLCs, including pediatric cancer. We need to effectively resolve and even prevent such added suffering. The Courage Lab at ASU has partnered with the Caitlin Robb Foundation to mitigate the often-crippling anxiety for vulnerable populations of youth with pediatric cancer and their families.

Project Objectives:

Together with a team of experts, Dr. Pina will develop a testable intervention methodology that will help countless families. There are three anticipated Courage Lab project aims: introduce a care model aimed at providing resilience-building skills and coping/resources to children diagnosed with a chronic or terminal disease; report summative feedback from a team of opinion leaders and outcomes from attending to reactions; develop protocol, including evidence of its potential for providing resilience-building skills and coping/resources.