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A long history exists of the utilization of narratives to help young people cope with stress and illness. Research is beginning to focus on video based story-telling for the purpose of intervention, however little research has been conducted to look at factors that influence the narrative content of these films. As a pilot, and within the context of a larger study, the current research was conducted with n = 10 adolescents with cancer and n = 10 healthy peers exploring participant characteristics (e.g. personality, quality of life, etc.) and their relationship with linguistic consent of the film. Despite little to no differences identified in demographic characteristics, results identified distinct differences between each group, suggesting that linguistic aspects of film narratives differ in adolescents with and without cancer. This research can serve to motivate future directions of exploration surrounding the content of film narratives and their relationship to patient well-being.

OBJECTIVE Modern day adolescents and young adults (AYAs) connect with their peers via a number of increasingly novel ways, many of which involve social media. These online relationships are often translated offline to increase one's social standing and quality of in-person relationships. However, when an AYA is diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, like cancer, in-person relationships with peers become difficult and the online component of socialization is all that is left. Video testimonials are a way that some AYAs have chosen to reach out to their peers; however, little is known about what AYAs are saying in these videos and how they are using them to connect with peers on a more intimate level. METHODS This study examined the content of video testimonials of n = 25 AYA cancer patients and survivors. Transcripts of videos were coded by a team of researchers to identify themes and overall tone. RESULTS Results suggested that films focused on struggles AYAs faced during their cancer journeys with a number of themes emerging; additionally, a hopeful tone was seen around the overall impact that cancer had on the patient's life. CONCLUSIONS It may be the case that video testimonials are an effective way to allow AYA patients with a cancer history to explore their thoughts about their illness experience and fill an important social gap not available to them as they undergo treatment.