This lack calls for additional knowledge. 3. A literature review consists of the body of knowledge that has been found and collected before a given research effort. Current research is meant to contribute new information to that body of knowledge. This is a qualitative research design. The theoretical framework is the thesis statement of the new research. It links this new research to all preceding research as well as details what it will investigate.

4. The study used two Adolescent Resilience Model studies, which include five factors. These were individual protective factors, family protective factors, social protective factors, individual risk factors, and illness-related stress factors. Both studies obtained the approval of the institutional review board for the protection of human subjects for all sites.

5. Primary data were derived from the findings of the Adolescent Model, using the five factors. Secondary data analysis focused on the illness-related stress factor of uncertainty. The differences in uncertainty were analyzed, using a cross-sectional design with the three groups. The MUIS was the instrument chosen for the two studies, based on the consistency of the items with earlier qualitative studies on adolescents, scale psychometric properties, and clinical appropriateness. It has been used in several studies on cancer patients as young as 7. The two-factor interpretation used has demonstrated consistent reliability.

6. The cross-sectional design provided an adequate sample in measuring...

However, a longitudinal study could provide a clearer picture and understanding of uncertainty through the time span. Other limitations were the use of data during two different periods and the preferred use of MUIS-C for some of the human subjects.
7. The experience of uncertainty among the three groups were similar and differed only in specific concerns. All three groups felt highly uncertain about the ambiguous meanings of doctors' communication.

The results of the studies are worthwhile in that children and young adults are not only limited by shyness but also by the stress brought about by a diagnosis of a dread disease like cancer. That uncertainty should be more deeply explored and addressed than the uncertainty of adults diagnosed with the same illness.

Health practitioners, especially nurse, should recognize the importance of uncertainty among young cancer survivors beyond their treatment period. In particular, nurses should recognize uncertainty during the assessment of information needs.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

CDPH (2008). Cancer in adolescents and young adults. Cancer Surveillance Section:

California Department of Public Health. Retrieved on December 31, 2011 from http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/ccr/Documents/AdolescentsYongAdultCaner-08.pdf

Decker, C.L. et al. (2007). Uncertainty in adolescents and youth adults with cancer.

Vol 34 # 3 pp 681-687, Oncology Nursing Forum: Oncology Nursing Society