NURS11169: Health Across Life Stages Case Study Answer

Social support and its impact on Zach’s health outcomes.

The moving and inspirational story of Zach Sobiech, a 17-year-old with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, shows how he is coping with this potentially fatal illness (SoulPancake, 2013). Resilience, optimism, and the significant influence of social support on health outcomes are the defining characteristics of his path (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022). Zach's family and friends' resolute support was one of the major factors that profoundly affected his health outcomes. Zach's family, consisting of his parents, brothers, fiancée Amy, and other close friends, clearly loves and supports him throughout the Video. Zach's ability to deal with the psychological and physical effects of his diagnosis was greatly aided by his social support system. Zach's parents, in particular, were crucial in fostering a supportive atmosphere and offering emotional support (Ullrich et al., 2020). Zach's family persevered in supporting one another through the difficult circumstances despite the devastating truth of his fatal illness. According to Zach's mother, one unexpected benefit of cancer is that it can help people overcome denial and develop a deeper appreciation for life. This shift in viewpoint might have led to a happier emotional atmosphere, which can affect mental and possibly even physical health. Zach also received emotional support from his tight ties with his family, particularly his sister Grace and girlfriend Amy (SoulPancake, 2013).

Despite the medical uncertainty, his love and connection with them gave them solace and a feeling of normalcy. Amy, in particular, supported Zach and turned into a rock of support when things became tough. This kind of close assistance can enhance mental and emotional health, which may benefit physical health results. Zach was very fortunate to have strong friendships, particularly with Sammy, who helped him deal with the difficulties brought on by his diagnosis. Zach used their mutual love of music and songwriting as a means of self-expression and rehabilitation. He could express his feelings, hopes, and anxieties through his music thanks to this creative outlet, which gave him another way to deal with his circumstances (Perkins et al., 2020). Zach and Sammy's partnership exemplifies the healing potential of group activities and artistic expression amid hardship. The way the larger community reacted to Zach's tale was another facet of social support that affected his health results. Zach's deep influence on others around him was evident in the musical tribute and the documentary director's amazement. The community's love and support improved Zach's emotional well-being, which created a positive and happy environment (Wang et al., 2021).

Zach’s Mental Health Status and its Impact on his overall well-being

Zach Sobiech's experience with osteosarcoma draws light on the mental health issues that many teenagers with terminal illnesses face, in addition to highlighting the physical difficulties of a life-threatening disease (SoulPancake, 2013). First of all, Zach's diagnosis has a significant emotional impact on his mental health. For anyone to find out they only have a few months to live is a tremendous weight to bear, especially for a 17-year-old. He considers the difference between good and bad days in the video, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that comes with accepting one's death. Increased worry and mental discomfort are caused by the uncertainty of his future and the certainty of his coming death. Zach exhibits incredible perseverance and a good attitude in life despite these difficulties. He decides to focus on being present and appreciating the little things in life. His choice to pursue happy-making pursuits like driving the Nissan GTR, his ideal vehicle, and creating music reflects this philosophy. Zach makes an effort to lessen the possibility that his events may have a detrimental effect on his mental health. Zach's fiancée, family, and friends make up his support network, which is vital to maintaining his mental health. His close-knit relationships with his loved ones provide emotional support and a secure outlet for him to communicate his emotions and anxieties (LeBeau et al., 2023).

His family and friends' love and compassion help him feel like he belongs and lessen the loneliness that comes with having a serious illness. When the original picnic was canceled, Zach exhibited extreme displeasure, which had an adverse effect on his mental health. Feelings of disappointment and annoyance were exacerbated by the event's cancellation, which had probably raised optimistic expectations. Zach's reaction was very different when Amy surprised him with a picnic on a public field. He said that he was so happy that he was about to cry. This abrupt change in emotional response emphasizes the value of kind deeds and their strong impact on mental health, highlighting the necessity of considerate and encouraging behaviors in fostering positive mental health (Kobe, 2023). Zach uses music as a creative outlet and a therapeutic way to process his feelings and leave a lasting legacy. Writing and singing songs like "Clouds" helps him express his ideas, worries, and aspirations (SoulPancake, 2013) . Making music becomes a cathartic activity that allows him to express himself and improves his mental health. But it's crucial to recognise that these situations inevitably present mental health issues. When Zach's mother brings up the effects of cancer on the family, it shatters their illusions and makes them face the hard truth. For the person with the illness and those close to them, this process can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Zach's experience with his mental health illustrates the difficulties in negotiating the emotional landscape of a terminal prognosis. Zach's narrative also emphasises how crucial community support is for promoting mental health. The good effects of collective empathy are demonstrated by the surprise musical tribute arranged by a documentary director and the response from the larger community. Zach's sense of purpose and self-worth is bolstered by the community's acknowledgement and approval, which balances out feelings of hopelessness or loneliness (Aass et al., 2021).

Laura’s psychosocial Development and how it is impacted by Zach’s death

Laura, Zach's mother, is 43 years old and most likely in the "Generativity vs. Stagnation" stage of life, according to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory (Nantais & Stack, 2020). This phase usually happens in middle adulthood, between the ages of 40 and 65. The seventh stage in Erikson's theory is called Generativity vs. Stagnation, and it deals with the conflict between feeling purposeful and passing on knowledge to the next generation against feeling stuck and unfulfilled (Datta Roy & Panda, 2022). People may prioritise raising a family, giving back to the community, and leaving a lasting legacy at this time. Within the framework of Zach's narrative, Laura seems to exhibit traits linked to generativity. She actively contributes to providing a loving environment for Zach, actively supports Zach and the family during his sickness, and assists Zach in finding meaning and purpose in his final months. This is consistent with the stage's generative element, which encourages people to make a good difference and contribute to the well-being of others ( McAdams, 2021).

Zach's death could potentially impact Laura's psychosocial development in several ways. Laura will probably experience loss and grief the most immediately and profoundly. One of the hardest things a parent may go through, and one that can cause them great emotional suffering, is losing a kid. Laura's psychosocial development will be greatly impacted by how she handles the mourning process, which is an essential part of coping with such a loss (Villar & Serrat, 2021). The loss of a child could test Laura's sense of self and purpose. Her care for Zach and encouraging his path probably accounted for much of her generativity. Due to his passing, Laura might have to reevaluate her role and contributions in life since it could cause her sense of purpose to change. Existential concerns are frequently brought to light by the death of a loved one (Arredondo & Caparrós, 2019). Laura might struggle with issues like her own mortality, the meaning of life, and the essence of existence. These existential issues may affect her perspective on the world and her sense of self. Grief can impact relationships; Laura could have to adjust to new dynamics in her friendships, family, and even romantic relationships(Dayton, 2023). The common experience of loss has the power to unite individuals or to cause friction and strain. When someone experiences a major loss, they frequently create coping strategies to manage their grief. Laura might take up hobbies or ask for help from others to help her deal with the emotional suffering (Millová et al., 2021).

On the other hand, she might have trouble developing constructive coping mechanisms, which could make her feel stuck. Laura might create meaning as she considers Zach's life and his influence on those in his immediate vicinity. This can entail coming up with ways to pay tribute to him, such as participating in events that held special meaning for Zach or endorsing issues he was passionate about. Even though losing a child is unquestionably a difficult and terrible experience, people can also show resilience and find methods to move past such hardships to grow (Opsomer et al., 2022). As Laura works through the difficulties of loss, she can go through a transformative process where she gains new insights and strengths. Zach's death may disrupt Laura's sense of generativity, but it may eventually take on a unique shape. This can entail coming up with fresh approaches to improve the well-being of others through advocacy, support groups, or other initiatives meant to assist individuals facing comparable difficulties (Buonaccorso et al., 2021). As Laura advances in her developmental stage, managing grief, rediscovering purpose, and finding meaning in the wake of loss will, therefore, be crucial components of her journey.

References

‌Aass, L. K., Moen, Ø. L., Skundberg‐Kletthagen, H., Lundqvist, L., & Schröder, A. (2021). Family support and quality of community mental health care: Perspectives from families living with mental illness. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 31(7-8). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15948

Arredondo, A. Y., & Caparrós, B. (2019). Associations between existential concerns and adverse experiences: A systematic review. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 002216781984628. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167819846284

Buonaccorso, L., Tanzi, S., De Panfilis, L., Ghirotto, L., Autelitano, C., Chochinov, H. M., Di Leo, S., & Martucci, G. (2021). Meanings emerging from dignity therapy among cancer patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 62(4), 730–737. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.02.028

Datta Roy, M., & Panda, M. (2022). Is generativity Erikson’s answer to human ageing in the neoliberal world? Journal of Aging Studies, 62, 101057. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101057

Dayton, T. (2023). Heartwounds: The impact of unresolved trauma and grief on relationships. Simon and Schuster.

Kobe, R. (2023). Mental Health and Wellbeing. Richmond Kobe.

LeBeau, K., Collins, S., Zori, G., Walker, D., Marchi, E., Pomeranz, J. L., & Hart, M. (2023). Evaluating a novel hospital-based online health community to address palliative and psychosocial care factors for chronically ill adolescent and young adult patients. Palliative and Supportive Care, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1478951523000147

McAdams, D. P. (2021). Explorations in generativity in later years. In Aging in the Twenty-first Century (pp. 33-58). Routledge.

Millová, K., Malatincová, T., & Blatný, M. (2021). Intergenerational transmission of generativity and stagnation within families in a society after a macrosocial change: A two-generation study. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01688-6

Nantais, C., & Stack, M. (2020). Generativity Versus Stagnation. Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences, 1773–1775. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_589

‌Opsomer, S., Lauwerier, E., De Lepeleire, J., & Pype, P. (2022). Resilience in advanced cancer caregiving. A systematic review and meta-synthesis. Palliative Medicine, 36(1), 44–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692163211057749

Perkins, R., Mason-Bertrand, A., Fancourt, D., Baxter, L., & Williamon, A. (2020). How participatory music engagement supports mental well-being: A meta-ethnography. Qualitative Health Research, 30(12), 1924–1940. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732320944142

Ruiz-Rodríguez, I., Hombrados-Mendieta, I., Melguizo-Garín, A., & Martos-Méndez, M. J. (2022). The importance of social support, optimism and resilience on the quality of life of cancer patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176

SoulPancake. (2013). Meet Zake Sobiech | My last days [Video file]. You Tube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NjKgV65fpo

Ullrich, A., Marx, G., Bergelt, C., Benze, G., Zhang, Y., Wowretzko, F., Heine, J., Dickel, L.-M., Nauck, F., Bokemeyer, C., & Oechsle, K. (2020). Supportive care needs and service use during palliative care in family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer: a prospective longitudinal study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(3), 1303–1315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-020-05565-z

Villar, F., Serrat, R. (2021). Aging at a Developmental Crossroad. In: Rojo-Pérez, F., Fernández-Mayoralas, G. (eds) Handbook of Active Ageing and Quality of Life. International Handbooks of Quality-of-Life. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58031-5_7

Wang, W., Shukla, P., & Shi, G. (2021). Digitalized social support in the healthcare environment: Effects of the types and sources of social support on psychological well-being. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 164, 120503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120503

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