Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1989.

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 138-147).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1999. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-136). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1989.

Thesis (PH.D.)--Syracuse University, 2003. / "Publication number AAT 3115850."

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 138-147) Also available in print.

This thesis explores the difficulties of talking about cancer. Conversational interviews with 17 people diagnosed with cancer are analysed from the perspective of discursive psychology which treats accounts and the description of events as discourse practices and categories. Cancer is considered a mysterious and frightening disease associated with myths and taboos. It is a sensitive topic and talking about it can be a delicate and difficult thing to do for all concerned. If a person with cancer (PWC) is not seen or heard to be 'being positive' or 'adopting a fighting spirit, they could be left with a sense of blame, guilt or failure. It is proposed that not only do they have to contend with managing to live with a life threatening illness but the metaphorical descriptions attributed to cancer, the 'heroic model' and its accompanying discourses and expectations construct the ill person as being morally accountable. Narrative themes of discovery, diagnosis, doctors and delay, social relationships, the indignities of treatment and talk of death and dying are analysed. The analysis reveals some of the problems and interactional difficulties that participants have to manage, and it considers some of the dilemmas and problems produced in cancer narratives and how discursive Practices, such as laughter, are displayed. It considers the way participants discursively construct notions such asdoing being responsible, 'complaining and blaming' and 'doing being positive' and it reveals how participants' concerns of identity and moral accountability are rhetorically accomplished and managed. The findings of this thesis emphasise how PWC work to maintain the identity of someone who is bearing their illness 'patiently", without complaining and are seen to be a 'good patient'. The analysis reveals that participants construct their identity as someone who is being positive and that they not only have to manage the interactional problems that their illness poses for others and their inadequacies to cope with people with cancer, but additionally they have to manage the moral restrictions on not being able to admit that they are not coping. It is suggested that an increased awareness of the psychological burdens and interactional difficulties people with cancer report in their accounts can contribute to a better understanding of what and how people with cancer manage these additional burdens in their social lives.

Submitted by Suzana Dias (suzana.dias@famerp.br) on 2018-11-05T17:34:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 RenataAlmeida_dissert.pdf: 630010 bytes, checksum: bb2d40cdec2c3f3c54ca453ee7b1e73c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-05T17:34:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RenataAlmeida_dissert.pdf: 630010 bytes, checksum: bb2d40cdec2c3f3c54ca453ee7b1e73c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-11 / Introduction: Hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, reaching 170 million people. The joint treatment of Alfapeginterferone and Ribavirin associated with Telaprevir can eradicate the virus in more than 50% of patients. Objective: This study aims to investigate psychological symptoms, quality of life, fatigue and confronting strategies or style in patients treated with alfapeginterferone, ribavirin and telaprevir: before, during and after treatment; Methods: Ten patients (6 men and 4 women) started the treatment and for four of them (3 men and 1 woman) it was suspended due to the effects. Results: According to data relating to the quality of life, the participants presented reduction in all domains, especially emotional, physical, social and vitality aspects. The main confronting strategy used was religious practice/fanciful thinking and the symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety throughout the treatment increased with subsequent decline. Discussion: Data from this study in relation to gender and age are compatible with the literature. However, regarding fatigue symptoms, the levels do not corroborate with the manufacturer's information, which considers tiredness as an unusual reaction. Conclusion: the results indicate a decline in quality of life, a need for weekly psychological and psychiatric support, psychiatric medication aid and greater assistance from the team. / Introdução: A hepatite C é uma das principais causas de doenças hepáticas crônicas, atingindo 170 milhões de pessoas. O tratamento conjunto de Alfapeginterferona e Ribavirina associado ao Telaprevir pode erradicar o vírus em mais de 50% dos pacientes. Objetivo: investigar sintomas psicológicos, qualidade de vida, fadiga e estilo/estratégias de enfrentamento em pacientes tratados com alfapeginterferona, ribavirina e telaprevir: antes, durante e pós-tratamento; Método: dez pacientes (6 homens e 4 mulheres) iniciaram o tratamento e, para quatro deles (3 homens e 1 mulher), foi suspenso em função dos efeitos. Resultados: nos dados relativos à qualidade de vida os participantes apresentaram redução em todos os domínios, especialmente aspectos emocionais, físicos, sociais e vitalidade. A principal estratégia de enfrentamento utilizada foi prática religiosa/pensamento fantasioso e os sintomas de fadiga, depressão e ansiedade ao longo do tratamento aumentaram com posterior declínio. Discussão: os dados deste estudo em relação a sexo e idade são compatíveis com a literatura. Entretanto, em relação aos sintomas de fadiga, os níveis não corroboram com a informação do fabricante, que enquadra cansaço como uma reação incomum. Conclusão: os resultados apontam declínio na qualidade de vida, necessidade de acompanhamento psicológico semanal, psiquiátrico, auxílio de medicação psiquiátrica e maior assistência da equipe.

Thesis (Psy. D.)--Wheaton College Graduate School, 2004. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 37-48).

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 1996. / Also available in electronic format on the Internet.