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Calvi C, Sherman KA, Pham D. Loneliness and Perceived Social Support in Endometriosis: The Roles of Body Image Disturbance and Anticipated Stigma. Int J Behav Med 2024; 31:433-444. [PMID: 37884852 PMCID: PMC11106211 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10230-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has identified that living with the chronic inflammatory disease endometriosis adversely impacts social functioning and interpersonal relationships, specifically, feelings of loneliness and a lack of perceived social support. Commonly experienced body image disturbance (BID), combined with the anticipation of endometriosis-related stigma from others, may result in further social withdrawal. This study aimed to quantitatively investigate the association between BID and social functioning (loneliness and diminished perceived social support), and the potential moderating effect of anticipated stigma on these associations. METHOD Participants (N = 212) with a self-reported endometriosis diagnosis completed an online questionnaire measuring social and emotional loneliness, perceived social support, BID, anticipated stigma and demographic and medical characteristics. RESULTS Mean scores indicated high levels of BID, emotional loneliness and diminished perceived social support. Bootstrapped multivariable regression analyses indicated that BID was significantly associated with greater emotional loneliness and lower perceived social support. BID was also associated bivariately with greater social loneliness. Anticipated stigma from healthcare workers moderated the association of BID with perceived social support, such that poorer perceived support was reported when anticipated stigma was high, despite the presence of minimal BID. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the psychological challenges of living with endometriosis in terms of highly prevalent BID, in the context of feeling lonely and poorly supported. The further negative impact of anticipated stigma suggests that psychosocial interventions may benefit from additionally targeting these perceptions of stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Calvi
- Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, 16 University Avenue, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kerry A Sherman
- Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, 16 University Avenue, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Smart Green Cities Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Dione Pham
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Yoshida K, Matsui Y. An Examination of the Association Between Psychosocial Aspects of Fertility Issues and Demographic Characteristics of Unmarried Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:293-299. [PMID: 37902972 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between fertility issues and demographic characteristics of unmarried adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Methods: We conducted a survey among cancer survivors who were 15-39 years old and unmarried at the time of cancer diagnosis and 20-45 years old at the time of the survey. Views on fertility issues, originally developed based on the results of a qualitative study conducted with the same inclusion criteria, were used to assess thoughts and feelings regarding fertility issues. Results: Through exploratory factor analysis of the 128 respondents who either had children or desired children, two factors related to fertility issues were identified: "anxiety related to the possibility of not being able to have children" and "pressure from others to have children." Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the association between these factors and demographic characteristics. The analysis revealed that being male and having a partner were significant predictors for both factors for views on fertility issues. Additionally, younger age at the time of diagnosis was a significant predictor for the first factor. Conclusions: Greater fertility issues among unmarried cancer survivors were associated with younger age at diagnosis, having a partner, and being male. Surprisingly, contrary to previous findings, male cancer survivors experienced more significant fertility problems than women. This result may be attributed to the well-established gender roles in Japan, where men are predominantly considered the heirs and inheritors of the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Yoshida
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsui
- Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan
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Wirtz MR, Ahmad ZN, Ford JS. "What if I die and no one had ever romantically loved me?": sexual well-being in a sample of YA cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2024; 18:186-195. [PMID: 36930436 PMCID: PMC10022557 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01360-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Among young adult (YA) cancer survivors, sexual health is often exclusively focused on sexual functioning, or the completion of sexual tasks. However, it has become clear that there is another element of sexual health, sexual well-being-one's subjective experience of sex (e.g., body image or sexual/romantic relationship satisfaction)-that may be just as impaired as sexual functioning. In this study, we sought to elucidate potential themes that YA cancer survivors experience that cross both sexual functioning and well-being, thus encouraging more comprehensive sexual health education among those diagnosed with cancer. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted as part of a larger qualitative study. Three codes developed by a team of coders-Social Isolation: Dating and Sex, Self-Evaluative Emotion: Shame in Dating and Relationships, and Self-Evaluative Emotion: Shame in Body Image/Physical Ability Concerns-included both sexual functioning and sexual well-being, and therefore guided this analysis. RESULTS Our sample consisted of thirty-five YA cancer survivors who were predominately female (86%) and non-Latino White (77%). Four themes emerged: missing out/aging out, inability to please (potential) partners, body image concerns, and unmet needs for social support. CONCLUSION While current research has identified sexual functioning as making up most of the sexual health education that cancer survivors receive, there is an interrelationship between sexual functioning and sexual well-being. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS The clinical ramifications of the data are clear: more work must be done to address sexuality within both the couple and the individual survivor, and that work cannot be exclusively devoted to sexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Wirtz
- Program in Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Zeba N Ahmad
- Program in Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer S Ford
- Program in Psychology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Martino ML, Lemmo D, Gargiulo A. A review of psychological impact of breast cancer in women below 50 years old. Health Care Women Int 2021; 42:1066-1085. [PMID: 34357855 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2021.1901901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A breast cancer diagnosis is a critical event with a potentially traumatic nature. In recent years there has been an increase of this illness in women aged under-fifty, a group of particular scientific interest. In this article the authors review the recent scientific literature on psychological impact of breast cancer experiences in under-50 women. Our results highlight three trajectories: clinical psychological risks; feminine-specific concerns; resources between individual and relational aspects. This overview illustrates the complexity of the effects of breast cancer in under-50women allowing to think about theoretical and psychosocial models to provide support for under-50 women during the illness experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Martino
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Lemmo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Gargiulo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Yoshida K, Matsui Y. The Impact of Cancer on Romantic Relationships and Marriage Postdiagnosis Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors in Japan: A Qualitative Study. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:146-155. [PMID: 34143655 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study explored the impact of cancer on romantic relationships and marriage postdiagnosis among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who had been diagnosed with cancer in Japan. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 AYA cancer survivors, regardless of cancer type, who were unmarried and aged 15-39 at the time of cancer diagnosis. For theme and category generation, the authors coded the interview transcripts independently through inductive thematic analysis. Results: The analysis yielded 11 themes. The most common impact on romantic partnership was "fertility and parenthood concerns" (45.8%), followed by "disclosure of cancer history" (37.5%), and finally by "recurrence, metastasis, and poor health" (25.0%). Conclusions: Although the impacts of cancer that were identified in this study were mostly consistent with earlier findings, certain impacts seem to stem from traditional family perceptions in East Asia. Because men are traditionally seen as the family successors, unlike women, they are primarily concerned about fertility and parenthood. This causes a parental influence on romantic and marital choices. The fact that there exists a parental influence in partner selection from the parents of both men and women indicates that cultural factors in East Asia/Japan influence romantic and/or marriage postdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Yoshida
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Matsui
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan
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Chaves SN, Lima FDD, Perondi BB, Vieira J, Elias JDM, Ribeiro LA, Silva AKS, Clael S, Oliveira RJD. Fatigue and depression improvements on breast cancer survivors practitioners of strength training. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CINEANTROPOMETRIA E DESEMPENHO HUMANO 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1980-0037.2021v23e73039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Due to the high incidence of breast cancer worldwide, it is important to research and understand the physiological and psychological effects of this disease, like fatigue, depression, and capacity to do daily life tasks and how they modify physical activity. This study aimed to analyze the effects of strength training practice on physical fatigue (IMF-20), depression (Beck questionnaire), handgrip strength, and functional performance (time up and go). The sample was composed of 17 women breast cancer survivors, in which 8 volunteers were strength training practitioners for at least 6 months (P), and 9 volunteers were non-practitioners (NP). The T-test identified significant differences (p>0.05) between groups on fatigue (P=7.37±1.76; NP= 10.77±3.41; p=0.02) and depression (P= 8.75±5.20; NP= 14.55±4.21). There was no significant difference between groups on handgrip strength and functional performance.
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Reese JB, Smith KC, Handorf E, Sorice K, Bober SL, Bantug ET, Schwartz S, Porter LS. A randomized pilot trial of a couple-based intervention addressing sexual concerns for breast cancer survivors. J Psychosoc Oncol 2018; 37:242-263. [PMID: 30580675 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2018.1510869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose was to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 4-session couple-based Intimacy Enhancement (IE) intervention addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns delivered via telephone. Twenty-nine post-treatment breast cancer survivors reporting sexual concerns and their intimate partners were randomized (2:1) to the IE intervention or to an educational control condition, both of which were delivered by trained psychosocial providers. Feasibility and acceptability were measured through recruitment, retention, session completion, and post-intervention program evaluations. Couples completed validated sexual, relationship, and psychosocial outcome measures at pre- and post-intervention. Between-group effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Hedges g. Data supported intervention feasibility and acceptability. For survivors, the IE intervention had medium to large positive effects on all sexual outcomes and most psychosocial outcomes. Effects were less visible for relationship outcomes and were similar but somewhat smaller for partners. The IE intervention demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and promise in addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns and enhancing their and their partners' intimate relationships and psychosocial well-being. Implications for Psychosocial Oncology Practice The IE intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, suggesting it could be well-received by breast cancer survivors with sexual concerns and their partners. Effects of the IE intervention on breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns and on their and their partners' intimate relationships and psychosocial well-being could not be attributed to therapist time and attention. Interventions that psychosocial providers can use to address breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns are important to the growing number of breast cancer survivors living for many years after their diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Barsky Reese
- a Cancer Prevention and Control Program , Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA.,b Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Temple University College of Public Health , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Katherine Clegg Smith
- c Department of Health, Behavior and Society; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.,d Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Elizabeth Handorf
- e Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics , Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Kristen Sorice
- a Cancer Prevention and Control Program , Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Sharon L Bober
- f Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care; Sexual Health Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Elissa T Bantug
- d Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Sharon Schwartz
- g Department of Gynecology , Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Laura S Porter
- h Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , Duke University Medical Center , Durham , NC , USA
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Pouy S, Attari Peikani F, Nourmohammadi H, Sanei P, Tarjoman A, Borji M. Investigating the Effect of Mindfulness-Based Training on Psychological Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2018; 19:1993-1998. [PMID: 30051690 PMCID: PMC6165667 DOI: 10.22034/apjcp.2018.19.7.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer poses substantial challenges to both physical and mental health of patients. On the other hand, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among Iranian women. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of mindfulness-based training on psychological status and quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer living in Ilam, Iran. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 66 patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The patients assigned into two groups of experimental and control. Experimental group received mindfulness-based group training through eight 90-min sessions. Sessions were conducted twice a week and were completed within 1 month. The research tools included a QoL questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), Schneider’s life expectancy questionnaire, and the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21). The questionnaires were completed before and during the interviews with the patients 2 months after intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 16) and running descriptive and analytical statistics. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between he experimental and control groups considering QoL, life expectancy, depression, anxiety, and stress (p>0.05). However, after the intervention, the patients in the experimental group reported higher QoL and life expectancy and less severe depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.05). Considering the positive effect of mindfulness-based training on the psychological status and QoL of patients with breast cancer, we recommend health nurses conduct mindfulness-based training for patients receiving clinical care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somye Pouy
- Departmentof Nursing, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Daboui P, Janbabai G, Moradi S. Hope and mood improvement in women with breast cancer using group poetry therapy: a questionnaire-based before-after study. JOURNAL OF POETRY THERAPY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/08893675.2018.1467822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pouran Daboui
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ghasem Janbabai
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Siavash Moradi
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Shaw LK, Sherman KA, Fitness J, Elder E. Factors associated with romantic relationship formation difficulties in women with breast cancer. Psychooncology 2018; 27:1270-1276. [PMID: 29430771 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many un-partnered women report difficulty in forming romantic relationships after breast cancer, characterized by high dating-related anxiety and low perceived interpersonal competence. This study examined the relationship between poor body image (appearance investment and body dissatisfaction) and self-compassion, and women's ability to form romantic relationships post-breast cancer. METHODS Women (N = 152) diagnosed with breast cancer, who were either un-partnered and expressed interest in romantic dating, or who had commenced a relationship post-diagnosis, completed an online survey. Assessments included the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, Dating Anxiety Scale, Self-compassion Scale, Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised, Body Image Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Multiple regression analyses assessed the relationships between these variables. RESULTS Partnered and un-partnered women differed in levels of dating anxiety, interpersonal competence, anxious attachment, and the self-evaluative salience facet of appearance investment. Analyses revealed a significant model for dating anxiety, with high self-evaluative salience, body image dissatisfaction, and attachment avoidance independently associated with this outcome. The model for interpersonal competence was also significant, with low attachment avoidance and high self-compassion independently associated with this outcome. CONCLUSIONS Un-partnered women who place high importance on appearance for their self-worth and who report poor body image and low self-compassion are at risk of experiencing difficulties in forming new romantic relationships after breast cancer. Future interventions should target these variables to facilitate romantic dating during cancer survivorship.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-K Shaw
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - K A Sherman
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Fitness
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - E Elder
- Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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