Research Information System
Current Psychology, 2025 (SSCI)
Cancer threatens millions of lives each year affecting individuals as well as their loved ones in multifaceted ways. Given the far-reaching effects of the disease, the study focuses on how cancer survivors’ treatment experiences transform their perspectives on their social relationships. The data consisted of face-to-face interviews with 17 cancer patients in Turkey. The purposive sampling method was used to identify potential participants for the study and the snowball sampling method was used to reach the participants. The analysis was based on the transformative learning theory, which revealed two main themes concerning the participants’ social networks; (i) transformation in the existing social relations, and (ii) construction of new social networks and changing relationship dynamics. The findings revealed the support received from their social networks was a crucial factor in helping participants’ cope with cancer-related challenges which prompted critical reflection on their social relationships and led to perspective transformation. The participants reorganized their existing relationships, and the disease was a determining factor in their new social relationships. In their new social networks, they developed a more helpful attitude towards others, especially cancer patients. This study is critical in enabling adult educators to understand the social dynamics of transformative learning, and guide healthcare professionals in planning supportive and holistic healthcare services for patients with similar experiences.