published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

published_or_final_version / Social Work and Social Administration / Master / Master of Philosophy

This doctoral dissertation, as part of a large and ongoing CIHR-funded study, used a subset of the total sample to evaluate the contribution of interactive health communication (IHC) as a complement to more traditional means of informational support (Care-as-usual) to optimal adjustment of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer (N = 135). According to the study protocol, participants in the experimental group received an IHC educational intervention for an eight-week period. Measures of psychosocial adjustment and information-related variables were administered in interviews at Time 1 (pre-intervention) within 8 weeks of initial diagnosis, and again 8 weeks post-intervention (Time 2). Psychosocial adjustment variables included: depressive symptoms (CESD), anxiety (STAI-Y), well-being (IWB), and quality of life (SF-36)-mental and physical health components. Information-related variables included: the need for information related to cancer, cancer-specialist, and family or friend's informational support, and overall satisfaction with information. Optimism and Constructed meaning were evaluated at Time 1 and 2, respectively. A GLM MANCOVA model tested overall F-ratios and regression coefficients using difference scores. Predictors in the model were: group (experimental versus control), constructed meaning, and optimism. The overall model (df = 8, 121) was significant for Group, F = 3.66, p < .001, effect size eta2 = .20, Constructed Meaning, F = 3.04, p < .004, effect size eta2 = .17, and Optimism, F = 2.95, p < .005, effect size eta2 = .16. Participants in the dissertation experimental group had significant improvements in QOL-physical health and overall satisfaction with information when compared with the control group. Constructed meaning was significantly associated with beneficial changes in all of the adjustment-related variables. The results of this dissertation clarify the potentially significant roles IHC and constructed meaning pl

People with a chronic illness like cancer often use the Internet to participate in online health discussions and connect with people with similar medical conditions through an online community. The purpose of this study was to explore how people affected by cancer utilize communication in an online community to access information, advice, and support. This research examines the messages of a discussion forum within an online cancer community using content and thematic analyses. This study finds that people within an online cancer community (1) give/seek information more often than they give/seek emotional support, (2) give information and emotional support more than they seek them, and (3) utilize storytelling within a majority of messages. / Department of Telecommunications

More than 10 million cancer survivors are now living in the United States. Using the QOL-CS, a measure of quality of life of cancer survivors, the current study considered quality of life differences in 115 cancer survivors based upon three cancer types (breast, prostate, and colon cancers) and number of types of cancer treatments received. It was hypothesized that differences in HRQOL would be found between the cancer type and number of treatment types received. Results were mixed. MANOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences based upon cancer type. Breast cancer survivors had significantly higher scores than prostate cancer survivors on social well-being, and prostate cancer survivors demonstrated significantly higher scores on psychological well-being than breast cancer survivors. No differences in HRQOL were found between the two groups based upon the number of treatment types received. Limitations of the study are reviewed and implications for future research and counseling are considered. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Using primarily grounded theory methodology, the purpose of this study was to understand how the experience of cancer affects communication patterns in married couples where one spouse has been diagnosed with cancer. Nine couples, five in which women were diagnosed with cancer and four in which men were diagnosed with cancer, were interviewed individually. They were asked questions pertaining to changes in their relationship and communication patterns since the diagnosis of cancer. Potential barriers and facilitators to communication were explored. Additionally, gender differences that could play a role in these marital communication patterns were examined. Participants were also administered a measure of mood states, the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and, a measure of family cohesion, flexibility and communication, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-version IV (FACES IV). Findings from both qualitative and quantitative methods were triangulated.Information gathered from the interviews generated eight themes: initial reactions to diagnosis, the experience of cancer, coping strategies, impact of cancer on the spousal relationship, spousal communication prior to cancer, spousal communication since the diagnosis of cancer, barriers to communication, and impact of gender and gender role on communication and adjustment. These categories and their subcategories generated an integrated grounded theory on the dimensions of communication. The theory consisted of three interactive elements: facilitators of communication, barriers to communication and the role of gender.Findings from this study confirmed existing trends in the current literature on communication among couples facing cancer. Results demonstrated that the experienceof cancer and its treatment brought couples closer to each other, where they experienced increased intimacy and communication with their spouses. There were several factors that facilitated these changes. On the other hand, barriers to communication were also identified; however, some of these barriers also served as coping strategies for participants. Furthermore, although there were differences and similarities noted among men and women in the study, results highlighted the importance of viewing them within the context of each participant's role as a patient and a caregiver, and not merely as a result of gender.Several research and practice implications are presented. Results of this study can help health care and mental health professionals gain a better understanding of the needs of cancer patients and their families. Couples and families can also benefit from an awareness of specific facilitators and barriers to communication. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Since the mid-1970s, there have been an increasingly diverse range of research methods, instruments, and processes of studying social support (Cohen, Underwood, & Gottlieb, 2000) and many definitions of the construct (Hupcey, 1998). Along with the increased interest in the social factors that influence psychological and physical health (Cohen & Syme, 1985), the diverse ways of examining social support have lead to a large literature base ranging from work in the medical and epidemiological fields (Cohen & Syme, 1985; Hupcey, 1998) to social, clinical, and personality psychology (Cohen, Underwood, & Gottlieb, 2000).While there appears to be a great deal of interest in social support, some have argued that there is a basic problem with its definition (Cohen, Underwood, & Gottlieb, 2000; Hupcey, 1998; Shumaker & Brownell, 1984). In the present study, Laireiter and Baumann's (1992) taxonomy of social support was used to review 22 definitions. This taxonomy includes: a) social integration, b) social network, c) supportive climate, d) received support, and e) perceived support. Although most reviewed definitions lack an empirical basis, social support appears to be a valuable concept that deserves further attention (Hupcey, 1998; Laireiter & Baumann, 1992; Vaux, 1988).The present study uses data from a previous study of cancer patients' social support, personality characteristics, and adjustment to their illnesses (Barton, 2001). The five social support measures used in Barton, 2001 were: the Social Network Index, the Family Relationship Index, the Modes of Social Support scale, the Negative Interactions scale, and the Satisfaction with and Received Support scales, appeared to address each of the components of the Laireiter and Baumann's (1992) taxonomy. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The present study sought to investigate whether some of the personality characteristics observed among cancer patients in the American and International literature are outcomes of cancer, or whether they, in themselves, constitute factors that may be contributing to cancer development.Twenty-five pre-biopsy subjects who were later diagnosed as having benign tumors (Benign Unaware) and twenty pre-biopsy subjects who were later diagnosed as having malignant tumors (Cancer Unaware) were administered the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) and the Fundamental Interpersonal Relationships Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B). A third group of subjects with already diagnosed malignant tumors who had been informed of their condition (Cancer Aware) were also administered the same instruments.A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that subjects comprising the Cancer Unaware group scored significantly lower (p.4.001) on the Neuroticism Scale of the EPI than both the Benign Unaware and Cancer Aware groups.The subjects comprising the Cancer Aware group scored significantly lower (P4-05) than both the Benign Unaware and the Cancer Unaware groups on the Control Expressed Scale of the FIRO-B.The observed differences obtained by both instruments did not appear to be affected by either the sex or the age of the subjects.On the basis of these data, conclusions were drawn and speculations were made concerning the utilization of psychological interventions in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

The aim with this research was to determine how cancer patients (the inner group) and non-cancer patients (the listening group) experience the listening group technique. A qualitative research design was utilised. The reasons for undertaking this research were the following: Experience has indicated that the listening group technique may be an effective method to help individuals discover alternative life stories besides the dominant stories that direct their lives. Some authors have expressed the need for therapists to do research on the listening group technique to ascertain its effectiveness as a therapeutic approach. The reason for focusing specifically on cancer patients is the high incidence of cancer and the accompanying medical and psychological effects it has for the individual. Psychological interventions appear to have positive results for cancer patients. The project was announced to cancer patients and their supporters, as well as in the postgraduate Psychology classes. Six cancer patients, five supporters and ten students participated on a voluntarily basis - twelve as members of the inner group (cancer patients and supporters) and nine as members of the listening group. Eight members of the inner group were female and four were male. Their ages varied from twenty - two to sixty - two. The listening group consisted of six female and three male students, of whom seven were honours students and two were masters students. Their ages varied from twenty - one to twenty - two. The study leader and the researcher acted as facilitators during the sessions. The process covered five evenings. After the introductory session, the first two sessions were held in the first week, while the last two sessions took place during the subsequent two weeks. Each session lasted approximately two hours. The way the participants experienced the technique was determined by means of semi-structured interviews. The following five themes came to the fore on analysing the data: other perspectives that developed and growth that took place during sessions, it was a learning experience, the participants' experience of the process, the participants' experience of the procedures and application of the technique, and suggestions that the participants made. The results indicated that the listening group technique can be applied to obtain beneficial outcomes for the participants. It can, inter aha, help them to develop new perspectives about their personal dilemmas and stimulate personal growth. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.