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

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

Using the biopsychosocial model and the Epigenetic principle, this study looked into younger women's experiences of the psychosocial impact of breast cancer at diagnosis, treatment and beyond the breast cancer experience. Case study methodology was employed and five women between the ages of 20 and 40 were interviewed on their experiences using the semi-structured approach to interviewing. The knowledge gained was analysed thematically. Results of the study revealed that breast cancer posed major psychosocial challenges for these young women as they attempted to negotiate the illness experience with the activities developmentally appropriate to their life stage. Developmentally relevant challenges were expressed in the areas of work, childrearing and partner-relationships and it was evident that spirituality and positive social support networks such as friendships and church groups played a significant role in helping individuals cope with the process, and emerge from it with an increased value for life. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 170 p.; also includes graphics (some col.) Includes bibliographical references (p. 158-170).

Psycho-social factors of terminal illness were explored with 36 terminally ill hospice patients. These findings were compared with staff accounts to assess whether staff held different perceptions of terminal illness from patients. The dynamic nature terminal illness was explored by re-interviewing thirteen of the original patient-staff dyads 4-6 weeks later. Psychological responses to cancer have been shown to be affected by a variety of psycho-social factors, including age, length of illness and social support. The experience of terminal illness may be different from previous stages of cancer, possibly due to the patient's realisation of the nearness of death (Yalom, 1980). Models of dying highlight the patient's perspective and social environment in the determination of the dying process. Possible communication difficulties between patient and staff and the use of 'proxy data' in clinical and research settings highlights the need to explore patient and staff perspectives more fully. A measure which described positive and negative experiences of terminal illness was developed (POTIS) and administered with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to terminally ill patients within a hospice. Staff were identified with a patient and their ratings of the patient's experience gathered. Thirteen patients/staff pairs were re-interviewed using the above procedure. Results indicated that staff rated patients as being more anxious than patient's own ratings. There was no difference between staff and patient ratings of depression. Cluster analysis was used to describe natural groups occurring within patient responses to the POTIS and patient demographic data used to describe these groups. Small sample numbers limited conclusions regarding change of perceptions over time. Issues regarding staff and patient perceptions were discussed in terms of the clinical and research use of proxy data. Possible problems with the internal reliability of measures and sample bias which occur with this population were discussed.

Excerpt: The conclusions in the study by Sanford et al. (2011) were not supported by their findings. The main conclusion states that preparing students to be comfortable with cancer patients of all severities will provide students with the necessary skills to gain confidence in their cancer patient care. However, the above study did not test or explore this issue. That is, students were not given any particular preparation so that their level of confidence could be explored. Students were simply told to share their good and bad experiences during their routine clinical education. The above conclusion reaches beyond the study findings into an area of conjecture, but the conjecture is presented as a well-supported finding from the study.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of gender, time since diagnosis, and the family environment on the psychosocial adaptation of cancer patients. This study was important because there is a deficit in the literature investigating the effects of the family environment on psychosocial adaptation in male and female cancer patients with diverse diagnoses. This study measured psychosocial adaptation by the patient's ability to adjust to cancer-related stressors in the areas of social relationships, involvement in health care, psychological well-being, household and work related duties, and family relationships. The family environment was measured by the patient's perceived level of cohesion, expressiveness, and conflict in the family.The study's sample consisted of 149 stage I or II cancer patients over the age of 50 with no prior cancer diagnosis, recurrence, or metastases. Participants completed a set of questionnaires, including the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale and the Family Relationship Index. The combination of gender, time since diagnosis, and the family environment, with demographic variables held constant, was significant and accounted for nearly one-third (27 %) of the variance in cancer patients' psychosocial adaptation. Results showed that the family environment is a significant predictor of psychosocial adaptation in cancer patients. Gender and time since diagnosis were not significantly related to psychosocial adaptation. Implications from this study are offered. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services