Thesis (Ph.D.)--York University, 2007. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-121). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:NR39033

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed June 17, 2008). PDF text: xi, 251 p. ; 1 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3293887. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.A.)--West Virginia University, 2000. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 54 p. : ill. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-32).

Applied research project (D. Min.)--School of Theology and Missions, Oral Roberts University, 2002. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-122).

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2005. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2009. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed May 25, 2010). Directed by Craig Cashwell; submitted to the Dept. of Counseling and Educational Development. Includes bibliographical references (p. 138-163, 228-230).

M.A. / It is well known that high levels of anxiety and/or depression often accompany the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Literature from various sources, but in particular from the fairly new field of research, Psychoneuroimmunology, also provides ample evidence that excessive anxiety and/or depression can be immunosuppressive. It makes sense, therefore, that any intervention restoring balance to the immuno-regulatory system, thereby allowing the body’s innate healing processes to focus on eliminating cancer, is highly desirable. In line with current thinking based on the mind-body connection as well as cognitive behavioural techniques utilised in many therapeutic settings, various psychological interventions have been found to help the patient gain a better sense of control over distressing symptoms and side-effects of cancer. Some of these include: basic cognitive restructuring, hypnotherapy, relaxation-meditation techniques, art and music therapy, and guided imagery. Substantial international research was found illustrating the beneficial affect that the psychological intervention, guided imagery, provided in such diverse settings including work, sport and health. In this regard, it was decided to run a pilot study to ascertain whether a specifically designed tape recording with relaxing music and dialogue aimed at helping patients manage and cope with negative symptoms of cancer, could significantly reduce anxiety and/or depression levels in women with breast cancer. To operationalise the above, 40 women, aged between 30 and 60, with Stages 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer, who are about to commence adjunctive chemotherapy, were randomly selected to a treatment and a control group. A quasi-experimental design was applied to this study whereby the treatment group was subjected to pre- and post chemotherapy Hospital Anxiety & Depression (HAD) Scale and blood pressure measurements on their 1st, 3rd and final cycle of treatments. The HAD Scale is a well-researched and respected, quick, self-diagnostic assessment utilised abroad and in this country. The measurement of a person’s blood pressure is provided as a physiological backup to the psychometric assessment of the individual’s anxiety levels. For the intervention, each participant was supplied with her own copy of Healing Imagery for Cancer CD or audiotape, produced by a South African medical doctor, specialising in the “wellness” field. The participant was requested to listen to this tape as often as possible, but particularly during her chemotherapy treatments. The control group was tested pre-1st cycle of chemotherapy and post-6th cycle of chemotherapy. The main hypothesis of this pilot study was that there would be statistically significant decreases in levels of anxiety and depression as a result of the intervention of guided imagery tape recording in women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the guided imagery intervention correlated with a decrease in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) measurements, as well as depression and anxiety over a six-cycle period of chemotherapy. The most significant decrease was correlated with the anxiety variable. This pilot study revealed some methodological weaknesses but at the same time results are sufficiently encouraging to warrant further in-depth research regarding the use of guided imagery as a cost-effective, relatively easy method for individuals with cancer to learn and utilise as part of their integrative treatment regimen.

In this study, effects of facial self-reflection and complexity of self on physiological responses were investigated. Skin conductance levels were measured during baseline and neutral conditions, then under a self-focusing condition provided by mirror reflection of the face. Subjects completed measures of self-complexity, depressive affect, self-esteem, anxiety and body image satisfaction. Eye tracking data was collected during the mirror condition. Results showed a significant effect of mirror self-reflection on physiological reactivity as measured by differences between mirror and baseline mean responses. Pre-test depressive affect was correlated with low self-esteem but not with self-complexity. Self-complexity was negatively correlated with orientation to physical appearance and positively correlated with greater differences between baseline and mirror mean reactivity. Self-complexity and depressive affect did not significantly predict physiological reactivity, although a trend was found for the influence of each variable. Post-hoc analyses showed significant group differences for both self-complexity and depressive affect on physiological reactivity, although the influence of self-complexity was in the unexpected direction. Results of this study are consistent with general findings that negative self-esteem, anxiety and depression are strongly correlated. In addition, a strong correlation was found between negative self-esteem and dissociative symptoms. Exploratory analyses of eye tracking data found no significant relations among personality variables and percent of time looking at facial image, although some trends were found. Trends for a relation of self-complexity with time looking at facial image, negative evaluation of appearance in the mirror, and less focus on physical appearance suggest a component in the domain of self-complexity related to physical appearance. Clearly, self-complexity has a number of interrelated dimensions and remains a challenging area of study. In addition, the combination of eye tracking and physiological measurement is a relatively new area of study that shows promise for continued investigation.

Obstetric surgical repair is the common therapeutic intervention available to women with obstetrical fistula. While surgical repair can address the physical symptoms, it may not end the psychological challenges that women with fistula face. This longitudinal study investigated the effects of surgical obstetric fistula repairs on the severity of depression and anxiety associated with obstetric fistula among 219 women admitted at six fistula hospitals in Ethiopia. Data was collected through structured Likert-scale questionnaire both on admission (prior to surgical obstetric fistula repairs) and on discharge (post obstetric fistula repairs).. Statistical Package for Social Science plus Analysis of Moment Structures (SPSS-AMOS) version 20 was used for data analysis. Findings indicate that women with obstetric fistula have higher psychological distress such as depression (91%) and anxiety (78%) pre-surgical repair than post-surgical repair. These psychological distresses were exacerbated by poor social and psychological support of women with obstetric fistula by the family and health care professionals. The findings were used to develop integrated mental health treatment model for women with obstetric fistula in order to address psychological health needs of this population. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study examined the relationship between perceived social support and negative mental health outcomes in battered women. Correlations between perceived social support and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder were analyzed. Perceived social support, particularly from family members, was found to be significantly related to mental health outcomes. Results indicate that agencies that work with battered women should include social support in the assessment and intervention processes. The study utilized a quantitative survey design with a sample of 120 battered women from four domestic violence agencies throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Quantitative data analysis procedures, such as multivariate analysis and logistic regression, were used to further examine variables. Samples of the instruments used in the study are included.