INTRODUCTION: Orthodontic treatment can include physical and/or psychosocial elements in addition to straightening teeth. OBJECTIVE: Of importance to this study was to explore the correlation between malocclusion and psychosocial well-being from the perspective of younger patients, their caregivers, through the inclusion of normative criteria. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data was collected at a single point in time from a sample of prospective patients. Eighty-six patients and their caregivers met the inclusion criteria and were asked to complete the questionnaires. The mean age of patients included in the study was 13.57 +/- 1.57 years (55 females and 31 males). Data was collected through clinical exams. Patients were assessed using the dental and aesthetic component grades of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). RESULTS: Caregivers’ satisfaction with the patient’s body image correlated with the patients’ satisfaction with their body image (p<0.05). Caregivers' satisfaction with tooth appearance correlated with the IOTN aesthetic component grade (p<0.05). As the satisfaction score increases (reflecting overall dissatisfaction with body image), the more likely that the patient actually needs treatment. There is no significant correlation between patients’ satisfaction with their teeth and IOTN dental and aesthetic component grades (p>0.05). Caregivers' motivation, in comparison to the patients’ motivations to seek orthodontic treatment was significant (p<0.05). No significant gender differences were found with regards to being bullied about dental appearance (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Malocclusion does impact perceptions of psychosocial well-being. / May 2016

“The family is the building block of society. It is a nursery, a school, a hospital, a leisure centre, a place of refuge and rest. It encompasses the whole of society. It fashions our beliefs; it is the preparation for the rest of our life,” Margaret Thatcher (1988). We are all well aware of the important role of family in people’s lives, we know it can affect you, empower you, or break you. Many studies and research has sought to define the role and influence of family in every which way, but truthfully, we can never know enough and we will never know everything. As human beings, we constantly strive for more – more knowledge, more understanding, and more insight. But the family, in essence, is a mystery; a far too complex and unique system that cannot be broken down into simple numbers or words. It is this that inspired me to do this study – although we can never know everything, we can always know more. This study therefore aimed to investigate the psychosocial well-being of a group of families and from the findings obtained, develop a conceptual framework and a model for psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context. The research method consisted of two stages namely, stage one: a multi-method approach using quantitative and qualitative research for theory generation, and stage two: formulation of a conceptual framework and visual model. The first phase consisted of a quantitative research design with a sample size of 772 participants. The aim of the first phase was to determine the prevalence of psychosocial well-being in families and to identify families who report high, moderate and low levels of psychosocial well-being, using validated psychological instruments. The second aim of the quantitative phase was to propose a measurement model to assess family psychosocial well-being in a South African context. The second phase consisted of a qualitative, explorative research design used to understand and describe aspects that contribute to the psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context, by analysing the storied (narrative) experiences (N = 23), drawings (N = 14) and family interviews (N = 36) of identified families who reported psychosocial well-being or less thereof, in the first phase of the study (Creswell, 2003). These findings were then utilized to develop a conceptual framework followed and a model for the psychosocial well-being of families in a South African context. The findings from the first, quantitative phase show a rather small group of participants who report high levels of family psychosocial well-being, while the majority falls within the low and moderate ranges, and approximately 64% of the participants are not experiencing optimal psychosocial well-being. The results support a two-factor model of family psychosocial well-being consisting of family functioning and family feelings. Family functioning included family relational patterns, family functioning style and family hardiness while the second factor, family feelings, included family satisfaction and attachment. The findings from the qualitative phase suggest that communication, mutual support, togetherness as a family and spirituality are the most prominent contributing factors, whilst financial difficulties and interpersonal conflicts or arguments are the most prominent hindering factors with regard to family psychosocial well-being in this group of participants. These findings were utilized to develop a conceptual framework and a model for the psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context that can be used in future research and in the development of programmes to enhance the psychosocial well-being of South African families. / PhD, Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

“The family is the building block of society. It is a nursery, a school, a hospital, a leisure centre, a place of refuge and rest. It encompasses the whole of society. It fashions our beliefs; it is the preparation for the rest of our life,” Margaret Thatcher (1988). We are all well aware of the important role of family in people’s lives, we know it can affect you, empower you, or break you. Many studies and research has sought to define the role and influence of family in every which way, but truthfully, we can never know enough and we will never know everything. As human beings, we constantly strive for more – more knowledge, more understanding, and more insight. But the family, in essence, is a mystery; a far too complex and unique system that cannot be broken down into simple numbers or words. It is this that inspired me to do this study – although we can never know everything, we can always know more. This study therefore aimed to investigate the psychosocial well-being of a group of families and from the findings obtained, develop a conceptual framework and a model for psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context. The research method consisted of two stages namely, stage one: a multi-method approach using quantitative and qualitative research for theory generation, and stage two: formulation of a conceptual framework and visual model. The first phase consisted of a quantitative research design with a sample size of 772 participants. The aim of the first phase was to determine the prevalence of psychosocial well-being in families and to identify families who report high, moderate and low levels of psychosocial well-being, using validated psychological instruments. The second aim of the quantitative phase was to propose a measurement model to assess family psychosocial well-being in a South African context. The second phase consisted of a qualitative, explorative research design used to understand and describe aspects that contribute to the psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context, by analysing the storied (narrative) experiences (N = 23), drawings (N = 14) and family interviews (N = 36) of identified families who reported psychosocial well-being or less thereof, in the first phase of the study (Creswell, 2003). These findings were then utilized to develop a conceptual framework followed and a model for the psychosocial well-being of families in a South African context. The findings from the first, quantitative phase show a rather small group of participants who report high levels of family psychosocial well-being, while the majority falls within the low and moderate ranges, and approximately 64% of the participants are not experiencing optimal psychosocial well-being. The results support a two-factor model of family psychosocial well-being consisting of family functioning and family feelings. Family functioning included family relational patterns, family functioning style and family hardiness while the second factor, family feelings, included family satisfaction and attachment. The findings from the qualitative phase suggest that communication, mutual support, togetherness as a family and spirituality are the most prominent contributing factors, whilst financial difficulties and interpersonal conflicts or arguments are the most prominent hindering factors with regard to family psychosocial well-being in this group of participants. These findings were utilized to develop a conceptual framework and a model for the psychosocial well-being of families from diverse cultures in a South African context that can be used in future research and in the development of programmes to enhance the psychosocial well-being of South African families. / PhD, Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

This research using quantitative and qualitative methods studied the psychosocial well-being of marginalised youth of African descent in South Africa. The study of well-being amongst the youth has been the focus of many research studies in the past two decades (Bach, 2011; Koen, 2010; Ungar, 2005); hence the continuing intellectual debate on the best possible ways to promote youth well-being (Koen, 2010; Shah, Graidage, & Valencia, 2005; Van Schalkwyk, 2010). The major shift within the psychological sphere, i.e. from the illness model to positive psychology focusing on the enhancement of human capabilities as well as well-being (Seligman, 2004), has resulted in a greater need for studies exploring well-being, especially amongst the youth of South Africa. This study of psychosocial well-being was conducted in line with, amongst other theories, the Keyes and Lopez (2002) theory of complete mental health, viewing mental health as not only the absence of mental illness, but as high levels of functioning in the psychological, emotional and social dimensions of human behaviour. Of particular interest to the current author was the degree to which marginalised African youth could experience psychosocial well-being, considered against Jahoda‟s (1958) view of positive mental health, Ryff‟s psychological well-being model (Ryff, 1989, Ryff & Singer, 1995), Keyes‟ mental health continuum (1998, 2002, 2007), Wissing and Van Eeden‟s (2002) general psychological well-being factor, as well as Seligman‟s PERMA model (2011). Although some youth experience well-being and are flourishing, the urgent need for the development of wellness in youth was indicated by the findings of Keyes (2006) on adolescent mental health. In various studies, it was found that approximately 20% of youth experience mental illness, but Keyes (2006) questioned the quality of mental health of the remaining 80%, since he found that only moderate mental health was experienced in youth aged between 15-18 years. Although there have been a number of studies focusing on young people and their psychosocial well being, there is a lot that still needs to be done in terms of research and intervention. Van Schalkwyk (2009) indicated that although there is a dearth of validated data on the psychosocial well-being of the youth within the South African context; there is a need for more in-depth research on this subject. This study hopes to make a contribution in this regard. A mixed method research design was employed and the first quantitative phase (Article 1) used validated self-report questionnaires to measure the prevalence of psychosocial well-being amongst a group of marginalised African youth (N=794). These instruments measured psychological, emotional and social well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form), coping self-efficacy (Coping Self Efficacy Scale) and symptoms of distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale). A structural equation model was identified explaining the relationships between the three constructs used in the research. The second phase of the research (Article 2) was qualitative in nature and it explored, through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (N=30), the personal narratives of the participants who (during the quantitative phase) were identified as high, moderate or low in their well-being. Themes and subthemes were identified that gave a qualitative picture of the well-being or lack thereof of the participants. In the third and final phase of the study, the data obtained from the two preceding phases as well as the literature review was used to formulate guidelines with specific strategies. These can be used by professionals working with the youth to help them harness their strengths in order to enhance their psychosocial well-being as well as lessen their symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Results from the quantitative component of this study was mainly that coping self-efficacy proved to positively explain the variance of mental health and well-being and negatively the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Mental health and well-being also proved to be salutary antecedents of symptoms of distress. Themes were analysed from the qualitative data and the following wellness-enhancing themes emerged from the data analysis: altruism, emotional resilience, social strengths, empathy for others, a positive outlook towards life, goals and aspirations, a strong support system, such as a loving and caring mother, and a supportive community. Religion, Christian faith and values further emerged as a common theme across all three groups of participants. The thematic similar findings on wellness-hindering attributes among the participants included loss of family well-being, painful past life experiences, an absent father, emotional turmoil, and poor self-esteem. The results provided by both the empirical components of the study were used in the formulation of guidelines with specific strategies for a strength-based intervention programme aimed at the enhancement of coping self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being amongst the youth. The study was finally evaluated and conclusions were drawn, limitations exposed and recommendations made. / PhD (Psychology)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus,2015

This research using quantitative and qualitative methods studied the psychosocial well-being of marginalised youth of African descent in South Africa. The study of well-being amongst the youth has been the focus of many research studies in the past two decades (Bach, 2011; Koen, 2010; Ungar, 2005); hence the continuing intellectual debate on the best possible ways to promote youth well-being (Koen, 2010; Shah, Graidage, & Valencia, 2005; Van Schalkwyk, 2010). The major shift within the psychological sphere, i.e. from the illness model to positive psychology focusing on the enhancement of human capabilities as well as well-being (Seligman, 2004), has resulted in a greater need for studies exploring well-being, especially amongst the youth of South Africa. This study of psychosocial well-being was conducted in line with, amongst other theories, the Keyes and Lopez (2002) theory of complete mental health, viewing mental health as not only the absence of mental illness, but as high levels of functioning in the psychological, emotional and social dimensions of human behaviour. Of particular interest to the current author was the degree to which marginalised African youth could experience psychosocial well-being, considered against Jahoda‟s (1958) view of positive mental health, Ryff‟s psychological well-being model (Ryff, 1989, Ryff & Singer, 1995), Keyes‟ mental health continuum (1998, 2002, 2007), Wissing and Van Eeden‟s (2002) general psychological well-being factor, as well as Seligman‟s PERMA model (2011). Although some youth experience well-being and are flourishing, the urgent need for the development of wellness in youth was indicated by the findings of Keyes (2006) on adolescent mental health. In various studies, it was found that approximately 20% of youth experience mental illness, but Keyes (2006) questioned the quality of mental health of the remaining 80%, since he found that only moderate mental health was experienced in youth aged between 15-18 years. Although there have been a number of studies focusing on young people and their psychosocial well being, there is a lot that still needs to be done in terms of research and intervention. Van Schalkwyk (2009) indicated that although there is a dearth of validated data on the psychosocial well-being of the youth within the South African context; there is a need for more in-depth research on this subject. This study hopes to make a contribution in this regard. A mixed method research design was employed and the first quantitative phase (Article 1) used validated self-report questionnaires to measure the prevalence of psychosocial well-being amongst a group of marginalised African youth (N=794). These instruments measured psychological, emotional and social well-being (Mental Health Continuum-Short Form), coping self-efficacy (Coping Self Efficacy Scale) and symptoms of distress (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale). A structural equation model was identified explaining the relationships between the three constructs used in the research. The second phase of the research (Article 2) was qualitative in nature and it explored, through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (N=30), the personal narratives of the participants who (during the quantitative phase) were identified as high, moderate or low in their well-being. Themes and subthemes were identified that gave a qualitative picture of the well-being or lack thereof of the participants. In the third and final phase of the study, the data obtained from the two preceding phases as well as the literature review was used to formulate guidelines with specific strategies. These can be used by professionals working with the youth to help them harness their strengths in order to enhance their psychosocial well-being as well as lessen their symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Results from the quantitative component of this study was mainly that coping self-efficacy proved to positively explain the variance of mental health and well-being and negatively the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Mental health and well-being also proved to be salutary antecedents of symptoms of distress. Themes were analysed from the qualitative data and the following wellness-enhancing themes emerged from the data analysis: altruism, emotional resilience, social strengths, empathy for others, a positive outlook towards life, goals and aspirations, a strong support system, such as a loving and caring mother, and a supportive community. Religion, Christian faith and values further emerged as a common theme across all three groups of participants. The thematic similar findings on wellness-hindering attributes among the participants included loss of family well-being, painful past life experiences, an absent father, emotional turmoil, and poor self-esteem. The results provided by both the empirical components of the study were used in the formulation of guidelines with specific strategies for a strength-based intervention programme aimed at the enhancement of coping self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being amongst the youth. The study was finally evaluated and conclusions were drawn, limitations exposed and recommendations made. / PhD (Psychology)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus,2015

BACKGROUND. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK and is often treated with chemotherapy. Psychosocial side effects (anxiety, depression and fatigue) and cognitive side effects (memory and concentration difficulties) are frequently reported by breast cancer patients. Following recent advances in screening and treatment technology for the disease, survivorship rates have increased. Therefore, women are able to continue or resume their daily tasks during and following treatment. The impact of chemotherapy-related psychological side effects on quality of life and work ability are documented, however the impact on safety outcomes has currently been overlooked in this patient population. Evidence from other research fields suggests that anxiety, depression, fatigue and cognitive difficulties are associated with increased risk of accidents and injuries. OBJECTIVES. This research provides longitudinal self-report data on psychosocial well-being, cognitive function, quality of life, work ability and accident frequency outcomes. METHOD. A mixed-methods, prospective, longitudinal approach was employed. Breast cancer patients about to undergo chemotherapy treatment (n = 60) completed questionnaires at pre-treatment baseline, and again four months (follow-up time 1), eight months (follow-up time 2), and twelve months (follow-up time 3) later. A treatment control group of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (n = 56), and an age-matched healthy control group (n = 58) were assessed at comparable intervals. In addition, a subsample of participants from the chemotherapy group (n = 11), radiotherapy group (n = 6), and healthy control group (n = 15) kept personal solicited diaries for a four-month period to capture the lived experience of managing daily tasks. The diary data were examined using thematic analysis. The combination of the quantitative and qualitative approaches added breadth and depth to the study with the aim of obtaining a realistic and comprehensive understanding of the impact of chemotherapy for breast cancer on patients daily lives. RESULTS. Chemotherapy patients reported a subtle decline in psychosocial well-being, cognitive function and quality of life, and encountered more accidents, particularly at mid-chemotherapy. CONCLUSION. It is important that healthcare professionals, breast cancer patients, relatives and employers are aware of the temporal fluctuations associated with chemotherapy-related side effects, particularly potential safety outcomes. Interventions could be developed to help patients manage their daily tasks in the home and in the workplace safely.

Sexual minority youth (i.e., youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or who report same-sex attractions) disproportionally experience negative mental health and academic outcomes. Yet, few studies have examined positive youth development for this population. The goal of these three manuscripts is to add new information about positive developmental contexts for sexual minority youth in order to generate ideas for intervention and prevention. More specifically, the focus of these three manuscripts is on school-based extracurricular activity involvement of sexual minority youth.Manuscript one presents results from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health that compare sexual minority and heterosexual youth involvement in school-based extracurricular activities. Results documented that sexual minority youth are involved in school-based extracurricular activities at the same frequency as their heterosexual peers. For all youth, there was a small, but positive association between extracurricular activity involvement and school connectedness. School connectedness was associated with better mental health (i.e., higher self-esteem and lower depression), and these associations were stronger for sexual minority youth.Manuscript two presents results from the Preventing School Harassment Study that examine lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth involvement in Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs). GSAs are extracurricular clubs that are tailored to the needs of LGBQ youth. This study examined the concurrent associations among GSA presence, GSA membership, and participation in GSA-related social justice activities, with victimization based on sexual orientation and school-based and civic outcomes. GSA presence and participation in GSA-related social justice activities were positively associated with school belongingness and grade-point average (GPA), and GSA membership was associated with greater school belongingness. Results suggested, however, that the positive benefits of GSA presence and social justice involvement dissipate at high levels of school victimization.Manuscript three extends findings from manuscript two by examining the associations among GSA presence, GSA membership, perceived GSA effectiveness, and young adult well-being. The study utilized the Family Acceptance Project and found that the presence of a GSA, membership in a GSA, and GSA effectiveness differentially predicted LGBT young adult well-being. In some cases, these three facets of GSAs buffered the negative effect of LGBT-specific school victimization.

Each year approximately 90,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in people of working age in the United Kingdom (UK) (Morrell & Pryce, 2005). The potential impact of cancer and its treatment on working life is substantial, with approximately 40% of all cancer patients taking time off work during treatment and recovery (Short, Vasey & Tunceli, 2005). However, little information is available on employment outcomes for those managing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer with approximately 36,000 people diagnosed each year in the UK. Although research demonstrates promising return to work outcomes for this group, not enough is known about the factors (variables) impacting their return to work intentions, work ability and employment outcomes. The aims of this research were to: examine the return to work intentions, work ability and employment outcomes of colorectal cancer patients over six months; explore the role of self-efficacy and psychosocial well-being, and explore the role of health professionals in providing work-related support and information to patients. Findings from these studies may help to better inform future interventions to support this cancer group. Fifty participants newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer were recruited from three Acute NHS Trusts (n = 27) across the Midlands and a support group (n = 23) affiliated to a National Cancer Charity. Participants completed questionnaires at three time points: baseline (post surgery or pre-treatment); follow-up time 1 (3 months), and follow-up time 2 (6 months). As well as illness and demographic characteristics, the questionnaires measured job self-efficacy, work ability, cancer self-efficacy, quality of life, fatigue and depression. A sub-sample of participants (n = 10) completed a monthly diary over six months. This captured temporal fluctuations and patterns in cancer management, return to work intentions and work ability and the factors impacting upon these (self-efficacy and social support). Finally, 18 health professionals participated in semi-structured interviews that explored the nature and type of work-related advice currently provided to colorectal cancer patients. Data were analysed using both quantitative (ANOVAs and regression) and qualitative techniques (thematic analysis). The questionnaire study identified varying levels in self-assessed work ability and psychosocial well-being. Most importantly, positive changes in perceptions of cancer self-efficacy F (1.02, 61.12) = 14.70, p = 0.0005, and job self-efficacy F (2, 94) = 10.85, p = 0.0005 were detected over time; however, interactions between treatment type and time did not emerge (p > 0.05). Factors related to perceived work ability outcomes cross-sectionally included type of occupation (β = 0.31, t = 2.65, p = 0.0005) and quality of life (β = 0.42, t = 2.57, p = 0.01) at baseline, treatment type (β = -0.19, t = -1.94, p = 0.05) at follow-up time 1 and job self-efficacy at follow-up time 1 (β = 0.57, t = 4.40, p = 0.0005) and time 2 (β = 0.50, t = 2.92, p = 0.006). In contrast, factors related to employment status (i.e. working, not working) were job self-efficacy (OR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.17 4.13) at baseline and occupation (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00 0.86), and perceived work ability (OR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.00 12.80) at follow-up time 2. Along with self-assessed work ability at baseline (β = 0.67, t = 3.99, p = 0.0005), receiving chemotherapy alone or a combination of treatments (i.e. other than surgery alone) (β = -0.24, t = -1.99, p = 0.05) were the strongest predictors of follow-up work ability (independent of age and occupation). Finally, treatment type (OR = 9.91, 95% CI: 1.57 62.50) was also identified as the strongest predictor of employment status approximately six months after diagnosis. Findings from the diary study suggest that self-efficacy beliefs were important in understanding employment outcomes and return to work intentions. The role of such beliefs was multi-faceted and results infer that several factors seemed to impact return to work intentions and self-efficacy temporally. Treatment, symptoms and decrements in perceived work ability were identified as the most prominent factors that served as barriers preventing resumption of work. Moreover, there was a degree of disparity between return to work intent and work ability. Additionally, the diary study identified variation in work-related advice and guidance provided to colorectal patients. Subsequently, some participants may have been under the impression that they were unable to work, especially during treatment. Results from the interview study found that health professionals attempted to provide guidance to working-aged patients. However, the nature of such guidance varied due to experience, knowledge and time constraints. Furthermore, participants highlighted a lack of knowledge and an insufficient evidence base were barriers to providing more appropriate guidance. The majority of participants stated that this was an aspect of patient care that falls short and to address the issue a concerted multi-disciplinary effort was required. In short, the findings indicate that the factors related to work ability, return to work intentions and employment outcomes of colorectal cancer patients varied over time, whereby certain variables took precedence over others at particular time points. Furthermore, the results suggest that self-efficacy beliefs are important; however, it is crucial to point out that self-efficacy is unlikely to operate as a stand-alone factor. Indeed, it is argued that it may be a construct that is considered in future research endeavours alongside pre-existing findings, which would inevitably help towards gaining a more comprehensive account of the factors related to the work outcomes of individuals affected by cancer.

Background: The most commonly reported side effects experienced by breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are fatigue, anxiety and depression. Alongside psychosocial difficulties, evidence suggests chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer is associated with perceived cognitive impairment and that which is objectively detected in domains of memory, attention, concentration and executive function. As these concerns are becoming more prominent, research has shifted towards managing these side effects and helping to improve overall quality of life and well-being of breast cancer patients and survivors. To our knowledge, intervention studies have not yet considered physical activity as a potential for maintaining cognitive difficulties in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Physical activity interventions are reported to be effective in alleviating emotional distress and fatigue in those with breast cancer. It has also been reported to improve cognitive functioning in the elderly, in those suffering with dementia and in children. It is proposed that physical activity could also help to manage cognitive impairment in female breast cancer patients and improve levels of psychosocial functioning. The aim of this PhD research was to implement a home-based, self-managed, physical activity intervention to alleviate cognitive and psychosocial difficulties experienced by female breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The intervention was designed using goal setting techniques enabling patients to self-manage their walking schedules and minimise input from NHS staff. Method: The randomised controlled trial compared a home-based, self-managed walking intervention to usual care alone among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Fifty participants were randomised to either the intervention group (n=25), receiving 12 weeks of moderate intensity walking, or the control group (n=25) mid-way through chemotherapy. Participants in the intervention group were provided with a pedometer and were asked to set goals and keep weekly diaries outlining the duration, intensity and exertion of their walking. Levels of psychosocial and cognitive functioning were assessed pre and post intervention in both groups. Primary outcome measures for this intervention were changes in cognitive functioning. Four domains of cognitive functioning were assessed using neuropsychological tests and subjective functioning was measured using The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were on psychosocial functioning. Results: The self-managed intervention had positive effects on fatigue, self-esteem, mood, levels of physical activity and stage of motivational readiness but not anxiety and depression. Positive benefits of walking were also detected in perceived cognitive function but not in sustained attention, executive function, memory and visual spatial skills when assessed objectively. Qualitative data indicated that the self-managed intervention was feasible, adhered to and received positively during active chemotherapy. Conclusion: The home-based self-managed intervention was beneficial for improving psychosocial well-being and maintaining perceived cognitive functioning among breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:55:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MILSON VIEIRA DE SOUSA JUNIOR.pdf: 559027 bytes, checksum: bb799be081e13cd1d4a78b009263a52b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-08-22 / The research aimed to examine the quality of life of the worker bearer of DORT cities in agricultural, then the Region of the valley of St. Patrick. For both, to assess the level of welfare of the worker with DORT, its socio-economic level, as well as changes in personal and professional life of the worker with DORT. We interviewed people with DORT and the results show that, in general, the participants did not show signs of inadequate social or psychological suffering. These results indicate a direction different from that found in the literature and they are discussed emphasizing the differences in lifestyle in large and small cities. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a qualidade de vida do trabalhador portador de DORT em cidades agrícolas, nesse caso na Região do Vale do São Patrício. Para tanto, avalia-se o nível de bem-estar do trabalhador com DORT, seu nível sócio-econômico, assim como as mudanças ocorridas na vida pessoal e profissional do trabalhador com DORT. Foram entrevistados portadores de DORT e os resultados mostram que, de uma maneira geral, os participantes não apresentam sinais de inadequação social nem de sofrimento psicológico. Esses resultados apontam numa direção diferente daquela encontrada na literatura e eles são discutidos ressaltando-se as diferenças no estilo de vida nas grandes e pequenas cidades.