Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Cancer (Psychosocial Aspects)'

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Dept. of Psychology, University of Adelaide, 1991.
Typescript (Photocopy). Includes two papers co-authored by the author as appendix D. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 397-425).

It is estimated that nearly 14.5 million Americans are living with cancer today. A commonly overlooked component to quality cancer care, as defined by the Institute of Medicine, is the role of psychological and social support. Better known as psychosocial support, these needs reflect a broad spectrum of obstacles or assets in an individual’s personal life that may help or hinder their healing experience. Some psychosocial examples include coping skills, transportation to medical appointments, or appropriate knowledge to mitigate the physical impacts of the cancer process. Research has shown that by addressing these potential needs, a better health outcome may be achieved for cancer patients. Through participant observation at local psychosocial service establishments and through semi-structured interviews with service providers and adults diagnosed with cancer living in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, this thesis research seeks to explore how local cancer patients are learning of psychosocial services available to them, what barriers may exist in accessing these services, and what individuals may be doing to address their psychosocial needs, both formally or informally. Results yielded recommendations for local psychosocial providers to adjust their marketing of services and kinds of services offered as well as yielded recommendations for future academic research.

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

This study examined differences in psychosocial adjustment and sexual function between female survivors of Hodgkin's disease and a control group of recently diagnosed but untreated cancer patients. The Hodgkin's disease survivors were assigned to one of two groups depending on whether they had retained ovarian functioning following their cancer therapy. Differences among the three groups were examined on variables consisting of the principal components derived from scores on the: Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI); Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI); and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS). These variables included: DSFI (General background and sexual functioning, Attitudes and feelings, and Information and Drive); BSI (General distress, and Somatic anxiety); and PAIS (General social functioning, and Health care orientation). No statistically significant differences in psychosocial adjustment and sexual function were found among the three groups. Additional analyses suggested that women who required therapeutic abortions to terminate pregnancies (existing at their diagnosis or occurring while they were receiving cancer treatment) had greater problems in psychosocial adjustment and sexual function than those who did not require abortions.

Prior research shows a wealth of investigation into the variables contributing to psychosocial adjustment to cancer. However, the literature consistently calls for more complex investigation of the contributing factors. This investigation attempted to clarify and expand the adjustment literature in two primary areas. First, the study investigated the relationships between the variables suspected of predicting adjustment to cancer, such as socidemographic, social support, and gender-related personality variables. Second, the study determined the differential influence that the traits of agency, communion, and the unmitigated constructs had on adjustment to cancer, compared to sex. The investigator used two statistical approaches to identify the differential importance: hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). Using SEM, the investigator tested three models to determine which variables had direct and indirect effects on adjustment.The study used a sample of 417 (238 used in final analyses) early stage (0, I, and II) male and female cancer patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2000. The patients completed mail surveys assessing their social support, gender-related personality characteristics, and adjustment to cancer. Results from bivariate correaltional analyses found that being male, having less functional social support, experiencing more problematic support encounters, and possessing unmitigated agentic traits contributed to more maladjustment. In contrast, the results revealed that possessing communion traits related to less maladjustment.Results from the regression analysis also supported that the unmitigated agentic and communal traits contributed significantly to the variance in maladjustment. When determining strength of associations, less social support from family, more informationfrom friends, and being male more strongly predicted the likelihood of maladjustment. However, findings also suggested that being on medical leave and possessing either traits of unmitigated agency or communion contributed to maladjustment to cancer.Finally, while structural models exhibited less than adequate fit, the significant paths within the models supported many of the proposed relationships. Overall, the findings supported the multifactorial nature of maladjustment, such that sex, social support, and personality traits all emerged as significant predictors. The study concluded with a discussion on improving model fit and directions for future research.
Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

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

With the increase in survival for children with cancer, part of the focus of current research is aimed towards evaluating how these children are adapting psychosocially. Neurocognitive deficits have been well established. However, there are multiple facets encompassing quality of life, including general mental health, lifestyles and health behaviors, and academic and cognitive functioning. The relationship between neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning in survivors of brain tumors and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Data was collected from existing archival database comprised of patients of the at Cook Children's Medical Center in Texas. The sample consisted of 177 patients between the ages of 3 and 12 who were at least two years post-diagnosis. Measures used included the NEPSY and the Behavioral Assessment for Children. Statistical analyses included a several one-way analysis of variances, an independent samples t-test, a univariate analysis of variance, a hierarchical multiple regression, and odds ratio analyses. Results indicated survivors treated with neurosurgery alone appear to be less at risk for developing behavior problems than other treatment modalities. Also, brain tumor survivors demonstrate more problematic behaviors than survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Visuospatial functioning, diagnosis, and type of treatment were found to be predictive variables of behavior problems. Attention, and perhaps language, deficits may predispose children to more problems in their behavior. It is concluded that there are other factors affecting behavior in this population that were not accounted for in this analysis. It is recommended for future studies to research the individual clinical scales of the Behavior Assessment System for Children, obtain information from multiple informants, study this relationship longitudinally, and research additional factors that may be influencing the relationship between neurocognitive and psychosocial functioning. This provides evidence of risk factors that should be monitored as the child returns home and to school.

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The concept of patient empowerment, although acknowledged by the medical community as important, is rarely understood and seldom given priority in the illness trajectory of the cancer patient. A pilot study of a Shared Care Model amongst haematological cancer patients highlighted the fact that some patients spoke of a sense of empowerment and an overall sense of greater control when more fully included in the treatment and management of their condition. The research which forms the basis of this thesis focused on the role of empowerment in the wellbeing of cancer patients. There were three objectives to be met by completing this research. Firstly, to demonstrate that empowerment is a uniquely identifiable concept and can be measured separately from other quality of life indicators. Secondly, the study sought to explore that concept that empowerment takes into account the way in which patients act upon their prognosis and optimise the outcomes of treatment. Thus it is believed that accessing tailored resources and support structures benefit cancer patients and those who are caring for them such as close family members and friends by helping the patient achieve an individual level of empowerment. Finally, the research sought to explore the concept that empowerment improves psychological outcome in patients. The benefits are increased empowerment and an active use of coping strategies amongst patients in order to regain a measure of control over their illness. The Patient Empowerment Scale was developed to measure empowerment as an individual construct. '...' The Patient Empowerment Scale (15 items) was shown to be a reliable measure of empowerment and fitted the model well. A qualitative methodological approach sought to address and explore the second and third concepts. In addition, the concept of empowerment as it relates to motivation and self-efficacy was investigated qualitatively using in-depth interviewing technique. A phenomenological methodology was used to explore the 'lived experience of cancer patients' in regard to regaining control of their illness and the management thereof. Participants were interviewed using concepts identified for the Patient Empowerment Scale such as support strategies and use of resources. A series of interviews with breast cancer patients were conducted whereby patients responded to a number of questions. The questions explored areas such as support mechanisms in relation to cancer, their relationships with health professionals and significant others and their attitude toward and use of other resources and support systems such as support groups, spirituality, complementary therapies. In addition their views on acceptance and adaptation to their altered health status were explored. Results The research confirmed that it is feasible to measure empowerment as a separate quality of life indicator. Furthermore, that empowerment is linked to motivation and self-efficacy beliefs. The research also demonstrated that there are a number of core areas which are fundamental to regaining control and increasing empowerment for patients. These core areas are linked to support mechanisms, willingness to adapt and to access resources tailored to meet their needs. Patient empowerment emerged as a key aspect of enhanced quality of life regardless of prognosis and improved psychological outlook.

Contexte. Synonymes de progrès thérapeutique, les thérapies ciblées anticancéreuses ne sont pas sans effet secondaire, en particulier dermatologique. Très peu de données sont disponibles quant à leur impact sur la qualité de vie. Le service de dermatologie de Gustave Roussy a consacré une partie de son activité de recherche à cette thématique. Inscrite dans ces travaux, notre thèse avait pour objectif principal de décrire les changements observés du point de vue de l'état émotionnel, de l'image corporelle et des interactions sociales avec l'apparition des atteintes cutanées, en s'intéressant à la place des représentations associées au traitement dans le processus d'ajustement des patients.Méthode. L'étude prospective comprenait quatre temps d'évaluation (initiation du traitement, un, deux et trois mois après) et associait deux modes d'évaluation : quantitatif (questionnaires) et qualitatif (entretiens semi-directifs). L'inclusion était proposée par les oncologues aux patients allant débuter une thérapie ciblée. Les analyses statistiques ont été menées avec le logiciel SPSS 14.0 ; l'analyse des entretiens a combiné méthode thématique et méthode par questionnement analytique, en recourant au modèle théorique de Pedinielli. Résultats. Sur 82 patients inclus dans la recherche biomédicale, 62 ont accepté de participer à l'étude psychologique. La partie quantitative a été complétée par 33 patients, pour moitié hommes (âge moyen 56 ans) soignés pour un cancer métastatique ; 84% a développé au moins un des symptômes suivants: rash cutané, syndrome main-pied, alopécie ou photosensibilité. Les changements observés ont été un inconfort physique et une gêne à la réalisation des activités du quotidien. Aucun signe de perturbation de la sphère émotionnelle, de l'image du corps et des relations sociales n'a été mis en évidence. La représentation d'un médicament contrôlant la maladie a émergé comme un des facteurs significativement associés aux variations de l'impact des toxicités cutanées sur la qualité de vie. La partie qualitative a concerné 41 patients (caractéristiques médicales et sociodémographiques très similaires à celles de l'échantillon quantitatif). Pour une majorité les symptômes dermatologiques ont été " gênants ", voire " perturbants " lorsqu'ils entraînaient douleurs, difficultés à la mobilité ou troubles du sommeil, mais sont restés " gérables, supportables ". Les représentations associées au traitement, très positives, sont apparues comme un élément soutenant dans l'ajustement des patients. Du discours des patients en souffrance psychologique sont ressorties une défiance vis-à-vis du regard d'autrui et une impossibilité d'amorcer le travail de renoncement nécessaire à l'intégration des transformations liées au cancer et à ses traitements. L'origine de cette souffrance serait un débordement des défenses psychiques par une angoisse de mort : la difficulté pour restaurer l'état d'équilibre psychique antérieur provenant de l'activation concurrentielle de deux dynamiques, l'une surnommée " substantielle ", l'autre " identitaire ".Discussion. Ces résultats rejoignent les données de la littérature en concluant à un impact d'intensité faible à modérée des toxicités cutanées sur la qualité de vie pour une majorité de patients. Contrairement à ce qui était attendu, il n'a pas été observé de changement sur le plan de l'état émotionnel, de l'image corporelle et des interactions sociales. L'investissement positif du traitement, la réappréciation des valeurs, le très bon état général des patients et l'optimisme ont été évoqués l'absence de perturbation. L'importance de l'encadrement médico-soignant a aussi été soulignée.Conclusion. Le développement croissant des thérapies ciblées appelle à une consolidation des mesures de prévention et de prise en charge des symptômes dermatologiques, ce qui nécessite un renforcement des actions de formation et de sensibilisation des acteurs de soin à cette problématique.

This study examined the relationship between executive and psychosocial functioning in 45 children and adolescents age 6 to 17 years who had been treated for a brain tumor. Executive functioning deficits can profoundly impact an adult's ability to function successfully in life. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential impact of executive functioning deficits on the day-to-day functioning in a pediatric population. The domains of executive functioning assessed included cognitive flexibility, conceptual thinking, sustained attention, and response inhibition. Psychosocial functioning was assessed using both parent and child report. Several significant relationships were found for adolescents ages 15 and older, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. In particular, cognitive flexibility and conceptual thinking were significantly related to parent report of depression and adaptive functioning. Fewer significant relationships with smaller effect sizes were found for younger children. The results may reflect the developmental emergence of executive functioning abilities and late effects of executive functioning deficits upon psychosocial functioning. The correlational design of this study precludes definitive statements regarding the temporal nature of the relationship. Additional research, including longitudinal research and replicatory studies, will be needed to further investigate the developmental consequences of executive functioning impairment.

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Arm lymphoedema is an inherent complication of the breast cancer treatment. Characterized by the increase of the arm volume, it leads to the physical and functional limitations, and negative impact in the psychological and social scope. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life and its domains, the coping strategies front to the breast cancer, and the correlation between these variables. This study was carried through in a health women center, for four months. The evaluation instruments were: general and specific characterization questionnaire of the breast cancer, arms circumference measurements; quality of life questionnaires of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer , EORTC QLQ-30 and BR-23; and the Coping Strategies Inventory. Totally, 82 women had been interviewed, 57,4 mean age (SD 12,3), submitted unilateral breast surgical treatment or axillary lymph node dissection, without metastasis. The lymphoedema was presented in 39.03% (32) presented lymphoedema. Lymphoedema seems not interfered on the breast cancer iwomen quality of life, harming more the social function. Chemotherapy and the breast symptoms related bother the women of both groups, however the arms symptoms were statistically significant bigger in the lymphoedema s women. The strategies more used by the interviewed to face the breast cancer were: positive reappraisal, planful problem solving, escape/avoidance, social support and self-controlling, the self-controllling was only statistically bigger in the lymphoedema s women. The planful problem solving strategies, self-controlling and low social support can have collaborated for the developed of lymphoedema. None high correlation was found between variables analyzed. Concludes that the use of active and positive strategies to face the breast cancer seems to result in a good psicossocial adaptation
O linfedema no membro superior é uma complicação inerente ao tratamento de câncer de mama. Caracterizado pelo aumento do volume do membro, leva às limitações físicas e funcionais, e impacto negativo no âmbito psicológico e social. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a qualidade de vida e seus domínios, as estratégias de enfrentamento frente ao câncer de mama, e a correlação entre essas variáveis. Este estudo foi realizado em um centro de saúde dedicado às mulheres, por quatro meses. Os instrumentos de avaliação foram: questionário de caracterização geral e específico do câncer de mama, perimetria dos membros superiores; questionários de qualidade de vida da Organização Européia de Pesquisa e Tratamento do Câncer, EORTC QLQ-30 e BR-23; e Inventário de Estratégias de Coping. Foram entrevistadas 82 mulheres, idade média de 57,4 anos (DV12,3), submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico de mama unilateral e esvaziamento axilar, sem metástase. O linfedema apresentou-se em 39,03% (32) e parece não interferir muito na qualidade de vida das mulheres pós-câncer de mama, sendo a função social a mais prejudicada. Sintomas relacionados à quimioterapia e a mama incomodam as mulheres de ambos grupos, porém os sintomas relacionados aos braços foram estatisticamente maiores nas portadoras de linfedema. As estratégias mais utilizadas pelas entrevistadas para enfrentar o câncer foram a reavaliação, resolução de problemas, fuga, suporte social e autocontrole, somente o autocontrole foi estatisticamente maior nas mulheres com linfedema. As estratégias de resolução de problemas, autocontrole e baixo suporte social podem ter colaborado para o desencadeamento do linfedema. Conclui-se que o uso de estratégias ativas e positivas para enfrentar o câncer de mama parece resultar na boa adaptação psicossocial

Cette recherche vise à analyser l'expérience des patients cancéreux quant à leurs relations interpersonnelles dans le contexte de la maladie, ainsi que dans son ancrage psychosocial. Grâce à l'élaboration d'un nouvel outil, il s'agira également d'étudier comment les attitudes vis-à-vis de l'entourage influencent l'ajustement psychosocial des patients. 42 entretiens semi-directifs ont été réalisés auprès de patients atteints d'un cancer. Ces derniers ont fait l'objet d'une analyse avec le logiciel Alceste et d'une analyse de contenu. Une seconde étape a consisté en l'élaboration d'une échelle d'attitudes vis-à-vis de l'entourage (EAE) dont les propriétés psychométriques ont été analysées. Une analyse en pistes causales a été réalisée avec LISREL8. 51 pour étudier les relations entre les dimensions de l'EAE, le soutien social perçu, le coping et les états d'huleur du patient. Nos résultats montrent que la place de l'entourage relève essentiellement de la sphère psychosociale (versus biomédicale) et que les représentations relatives de l'entourage sont structurées par les caractéristiques bio-psychosociales des patients. L'analyse de la validité de l'EAE nous permet d'aboutir à un outil composé de 23 items évaluant cinq dimensions : le besoin d'autonomie, la désillusion relationnelle, la mobilisation des ressources sociales, les bénéfices socio-affectifs et le sentiment d'être un fardeau. Cette échelle constitue un instrument fiable et valide permettant de prédire l'état émotionnel des patients, par la médiation du soutien social perçu et du coping. Ce travail montre que l'étude des perceptions relatives aux relations interpersonnelles dans le contexte de la maladie est nécessaire à la compréhension du sens associé au soutien social et de son impact sur l'ajustement des patients cancéreux.

Introduction : Le diagnostic de cancer du sein, les symptômes et les effets secondaires des traitements, entraînent de multiples déficits physiques et psychologiques qui peuvent avoir des effets sur la vie professionnelle. En effet, avec un âge médian de 63 ans au moment du diagnostic de cancer du sein, la moitié des femmes sont encore en âge de travailler. Pourtant, après le diagnostic, toutes les femmes ne retournent pas au travail. Afin d’expliquer ce phénomène, de nombreuses études se sont intéressées aux déterminants sociodémographiques, professionnels et médicaux impactant le retour à l’emploi des patientes ; or ces seuls facteurs ne suffisent pas à expliquer le non-retour à l’emploi des femmes. Il semble qu’un certain nombre de facteurs psychosociaux puissent également rendre compte du retour à l’emploi.Objectifs : L’objectif principal de cette étude est d’identifier les principaux déterminants psychosociaux du retour à l’emploi des femmes ayant un cancer du sein durant l’année suivant le début de leurs traitements adjuvants. Un objectif secondaire consiste à appréhender l’impact des variations de ces déterminants psychosociaux sur le retour à l’emploi des patientes.Méthode : Nous avons réalisé une étude longitudinale et prospective auprès de 68 patientes d’âge moyen 46,97 (ET = 6,92), en emploi au moment du diagnostic de cancer du sein, recrutées au Montpellier Institut du Sein (MIS). Les femmes ont été rencontrées lors d’un premier temps de mesure, par entretien interindividuel, en début de traitements adjuvants (T0). Par la suite, elles ont été suivies par voie téléphonique à 3, 6 et 12 mois après T0 (T1, T2 et T3, respectivement). Les données sociodémographiques, professionnelles, médicales, la précarité (score EPICES), le névrosisme (Néo-PI r), la qualité de vie (QLQ-C30), la fatigue (MFI 20), le développement post traumatique (PTGI), la détresse sociale (SDI) et le soutien social perçu (QSSSC) ont été évalués à T0. À T1, T2 et T3 nous avons relevé : le fait d’être en couple, de subvenir ou non aux études des enfants, le recueil de toxicités liées au traitement médical et le retour à l’emploi. À T2 et T3 nous avons également évalué : la qualité de vie, le développement post-traumatique, la fatigue, la détresse sociale et le soutien social perçu.Résultats : À T1, 50,0% des patientes sont de retour à l’emploi ; à T2, 60,7% sont de retour à l’emploi ; à T3, 74,5% d’entre elles sont de retour à l’emploi. Les résultats des analyses de régression logistique indiquent qu’une forte perception de soutien négatif à T0, OR = 0,74 [0,56 – 0,97] et à T3, OR = 0,59 [0,39 – 0,90], une forte sensation de fatigue physique à T3, OR = 0,55 [0,36 – 0,80] et une précarité élevée, OR = 0,94 [0,89 – 0,99], sont des freins au retour à l’emploi à T3. En revanche, un bon état physique à T0, OR = 1,17 [1,02 – 1,33] et un bon état cognitif à T2, OR = 1,06 [1,01 – 1,11] sont des leviers du retour à l’emploi à T3. Par ailleurs, nous observons qu’une bonne santé globale, OR = 1,10 [1,001 – 1,20] ainsi qu’un bon état cognitif, OR = 1,08 [1,02 – 1,15], à T2, sont des leviers du retour à l’emploi à ce même moment, alors qu’une augmentation de la fatigue mentale, entre T0 et T2, diminue les chances de retour à l’emploi à T2, OR = 0,13 [0,02 – 0,80]. Enfin, les résultats de notre étude montrent qu’une bonne santé globale à T0 est un levier du retour à l’emploi à T1, OR = 1,05 [1,01 – 1,10].Conclusion : Les déterminants psychosociaux, notamment le soutien social, la précarité, la qualité de vie et la fatigue, peuvent jouer un rôle important pour prédire le retour à l’emploi des femmes ayant un cancer du sein. Cela justifie l’intérêt d’une prise en charge pluridisciplinaire du cancer et encourage l’émergence d’un modèle théorique du maintien en emploi, tenant compte à la fois des caractéristiques sociodémographiques, professionnelles, médicales, sociales, physiques et psychologiques des patientes
Introduction : The breast cancer diagnosis, the symptoms and the side effects of the treatments, lead to multiple physical and psychological deficits that can have effects on the professional life. Indeed, with a median age of 63 years at the time of diagnosis, half of the women are still of working age. However, after the diagnosis, all women do not return to work. In order to explain this phenomenon, numerous studies have addressed the sociodemographic, occupational and medical determinants that impact the patients’ return to work ; but these factors alone are not sufficient to explain women's non-return to work. It appears that a number of psychosocial factors may also account for the return to work.Aims : The main objective of this study is to identify the main psychosocial determinants of the return to work of women with breast cancer during the year following the start of their adjuvant treatments. A secondary objective is to understand the impact of changes in these psychosocial determinants on the return to work.Method : We performed a longitudinal and prospective study of 68 patients with a mean age of 46.97 (SD = 6.92), employed at the time of diagnosis of breast cancer, recruited at the Montpellier Institut du Sein (MIS). The women were encountered during an initial measurement, by interindividual maintenance, at the beginning of adjuvant treatments (T0). Subsequently, they were followed by telephone at 3, 6 and 12 months after T0 (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). Socio-demographic, occupational and medical data, precariousness (EPICES score), neuroticism (Neo-PI r), quality of life (QLQ-C30), fatigue (MFI 20), post traumatic development social distress (SDI) and perceived social support (SSHSC) were assessed at T0. At T1, T2 and T3 we observed : being in a couple, providing or not supporting children's studies, collecting toxicities related to medical treatment and returning to work. At T2 and T3 we also assessed : quality of life, post-traumatic development, fatigue, social distress and perceived social support.Results : At T1, 50.0% of patients returned to work ; at T2, 60.7% were back to work ; at T3, 74.5% of them were back to work. Results of logistic regression analyzes indicate that a strong perception of negative support at T0, OR = 0.74 [0.56 - 0.97] and at T3, OR = 0.59 [0.39-0.90], a high sensation of physical fatigue at T3, OR = 0.55 [0.36 - 0.80] and high precariousness, OR = 0.94 [0.89 - 0.99] brake the return to work at T3. On the other hand, a good physical state at T0, OR = 1.17 [1.02 - 1.33] and a good cognitive state at T2, OR = 1.06 [1.01 - 1.11] are levers for returning to work at T3. Otherwise, we observed that overall good health, OR = 1.10 [1.001 - 1.20] and good cognitive status, OR = 1.08 [1.02 - 1.15] at T2, are levers for returning to work at the same time, while an increase in mental fatigue between T0 and T2 decreases the chances of returning to work at T2, OR = 0.13 [0.02 - 0.80]. Finally, the results of our study show that good overall health at T0 is a return to employment lever at T1, OR = 1.05 [1.01 - 1.10].Conclusion : Psychosocial determinants, including social support, precariousness, quality of life and fatigue, can play an important role in predicting the return to work of women with breast cancer. This confirms the interest of a multidisciplinary care of cancer and encourages the emergence of a theoretical model of the job retention, taking into account the socio-demographic, professional, medical, social, physical and psychological characteristics of the patients

La fatigue associée au cancer est un symptôme subjectif et envahissant, en lien avec la maladie et ses traitements, et qui impacte considérablement la qualité de vie des patients. Cette étude a deux objectifs fondamentaux : (1) identifier différentes trajectoires de fatigue chez des patients suivis en chimiothérapie, et (2) identifier certains déterminants psychosociaux de ces trajectoires de fatigue. Au total, 169 patients ont été́ évalués sur leur niveau de fatigue dès l'initiation d'un nouveau cycle de chimiothérapie, puis toutes les deux semaines sur une période de 6 mois. Quatre trajectoires de fatigue physique ont été́ identifiées : 1) une trajectoire de « fatigue intense » (6,51% des patients), 2) une trajectoire de « fatigue moyenne » (48,52%), 3) une trajectoire de « fatigue en augmentation » au cours du temps caractérisée par des patients non fatigués à l'inclusion (11,83%), et enfin 4) une trajectoire de patients résilients qui ne rapportent « pas de fatigue » durant les traitements (33,14%). S’il apparait que la fatigue physique et la dépression soit fortement associée, les résultats montrent également qu'une mauvaise adaptation (coping centré sur l’émotion) et peu de contrôle sur l'évolution de la maladie contribuent à l'intensité et l'augmentation de la fatigue au cours du temps. L'identification de variables transactionnelles dans l'explication d'un tel symptôme permet d'envisager des prises en charge psychosociales adaptées, tournées vers une médecine plus personnalisée
Cancer-related fatigue is a subjective and pervasive symptom, related to the disease and its treatments, and has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. This study has two fundamental goals: (1) to identify different fatigue trajectories in metastatic colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy; (2) to identify psychosocial determinants of these fatigue trajectories. A total of 169 patients were assessed for their level of fatigue at the beginning of a new chemotherapy cycle, and were subsequently followed every two weeks. Psychosocial variables such as anxiety, depression, perceived control, coping strategies, and social support were measured from the start. Four trajectories of physical fatigue were identified: 1) a trajectory of "intense fatigue" (6.51%), 2) a trajectory of "average fatigue" (48.52%), 3) an "increasing fatigue" trajectory over time characterized by non-fatigued patients at the inclusion (11.83%); finally, 4) a trajectory of resilient patients who report "no fatigue" during treatment (33.14%). While it appears that physical fatigue and depression are strongly associated, the results also show that poor adaptation (emotionally-focused coping) and little control over the evolution of the disease contribute to the intensity and the increase of fatigue over time.The identification of transactional variables in the explanation of this symptom makes it possible to envisage adapted psychosocial care, turned towards personalized medicine

Ce travail de thèse s’est intéressé à la qualité de vie des adolescents avec un passé de cancer via les ressources maternelles. Contrairement au mal-être, désormais bien renseigné dans la littérature, on connait mal encore aujourd’hui ce qui participe à la qualité de vie des adolescents avec un passé de cancer. Dans cette perspective d’analyse, ce travail de thèse a cherché à identifier et à examiner les variables qui influent positivement sur la qualité de vie au sein des dyades mère-adolescent avec un passé de cancer, en ayant recours à une approche comparative. En plus des variables relatives à la détresse émotionnelle (stress, anxiété et dépression), plusieurs autres variables ont ainsi été explorées comme l’ajustement aux buts, le sentiment d’auto-efficacité, l’engagement dans la vie, les stratégies de coping, la perception des mères de la qualité de vie de leur enfant sur la qualité de vie des adolescents ave un passé de cancer mesurée avec le PedsQLTM (Varni, 2001). Au total, 302 participants (51 dyades mère-adolescent avec passé de cancer et 100 dyades mère-adolescent sans passé de cancer) ont répondu à un ensemble de questionnaires évaluant les variables précitées. Les résultats ont mis en évidence que les adolescents avec passé de cancer présentaient une qualité de vie satisfaisante et une détresse émotionnelle plus faible que les adolescents sans passé de cancer. Les modèles exploratoires ont permis de mettre à jour l’influence positive des stratégies de coping, de l’engagement et de l’auto-efficacité sur la qualité de vie des adolescents anciens cancéreux. Enfin, le dernier modèle exploratoire a montré l’importance de prendre en considération la perception que les mères ont de la qualité de vie de leurs enfants, pour son influence à la fois sur les ressources et la qualité de vie des adolescents avec passé de cancer, mais aussi sur la diminution de la détresse émotionnelle. La discussion a souligné une certaine autonomie de fonctionnement de la part des adolescents avec passé de cancer dans le maintien d’une qualité de vie satisfaisante pour laquelle la mère semble avoir largement contribué tout au long de la maladie
The adolescents survivors of cancer are likely to present a strong emotional distress related to their past experience of the disease, which could influence their Quality of Life (QoL). Adolescents’ mothers could also be affected in the long term by the experience of the childhood cancer, remaining constantly worried for their child, even years after the end of the treatment. Therefore, it is important to investigate the presence of resource variables which could preserve or improve adolescents quality of life. Resource variables studied in this thesis are goal adjustment, self-efficacy, life engagement, coping strategies and mothers’ perception of their children’s quality of life. This research includes a comparative analysis with mother-adolescent dyads without prior history of cancer. Participants (n=302 ; including 51 dyads mother-adolescent survivor of cancer ; 100 control dyads mother-adolescent without history of cancer) completed self-report questionnaires. Results revealed that adolescents survivors of childhood cancer presented a correct quality of life, and a lower level of emotional distress when compared to adolescents without history of cancer. The exploratory models showed the positive influence of coping strategies, life engagement and self-efficacy on adolescents survivors of cancer quality of life. Finally, our last exploratory model indicates the importance of taking into consideration mothers’ perceptions regarding their children’s quality of life, because of their influence on the adolescents survivors of cancer resources and quality of life, as well as on the reduction of emotional distress. Discussion highlights the importance to take the mother-adolescent dyad life story into account in order to understand adolescents survivors of cancer adjustment

IntroductionLe cancer colorectal est la 2ème cause de mortalité par cancer en France (HAS, 2013) mais aussi le 3ème cancer le plus fréquent (INCa, 2014). Un dépistage organisé existe depuis 2008, pourtant, les taux de participation restent faibles : 33,5% en France (Santé Publique France, 20018). D’après la littérature, les principaux freins à la participation au dépistage sont le manque de confiance envers le système de soins (Clavarino et al, 2004) ; l’embarras, l’inconfort et le déplaisir accompagnant les procédures des tests (Varela et al, 2010) ; ou encore le manque de temps. Enfin, le manque de recommandations de la part du médecin représente l’un des freins les plus importants (Walsh et al, 2010 ; Powell et al, 2009). Le test Hémoccult II, utilisé dans le cadre du dépistage organisé jusqu’en mars 2015, a été remplacé par un nouveau test immunologique, jugé plus sensible, plus spécifique et plus fiable par la communauté médicale (INCa, 2014).Objectifs et méthodeAu regard des faibles taux de dépistage et des principaux freins identifiés dans la littérature, ce travail de thèse a pour but d’analyser les déterminants de la participation au dépistage à la fois du point de vue des patients mais aussi des médecins généralistes. De plus, il apparaît nécessaire d’évaluer les enjeux de l’arrivée du nouveau test immunologique.Ce travail doctoral est basé sur la technique de la triangulation (théorique, méthodologique et des données). Plus précisément, deux cadres théoriques validés et reconnus en psychologie sociale de la santé ont été mobilisés, à savoir la Théorie des Représentations Sociales (Moscovici, 1984), et la Théorie du Comportement Planifié (Ajzen et al, 1991), permettant l’adoption d’une approche compréhensive aussi bien que prédictive du dépistage. Trois études ont ainsi été développées :- Une étude qualitative par entretiens semi-directifs, menée auprès de 17 médecins généralistes, ayant pour but d’appréhender leurs représentations sociales du dépistage du cancer colorectal ainsi que la manière dont celui-ci peut s’ancrer dans leur pratique de recommandation ;- Une étude qualitative par focus groups, menée auprès de 29 participants issus de la population générale dont l’objectif était d’appréhender leurs représentations sociales du dépistage du cancer colorectal ainsi que les freins et facilitateurs à son adhésion.- Une étude quantitative par questionnaires, menée auprès de 160 participants issus de la population générale, visant à identifier les principaux prédicteurs de l’intention et du comportement de dépistage du cancer colorectal.Principaux résultatsL’analyse des entretiens a révélé une incohérence entre le rôle que les médecins pensent devoir jouer auprès des patients dans la prévention et le dépistage, et la réalité de leur pratique qui ne leur laisse que peu de temps à y consacrer. L’analyse des focus groups a révélé que les principaux freins à la participation au dépistage sont : le manque d’accessibilité du test (nécessité de consulter le médecin généraliste pour obtenir le kit de dépistage), une faible préoccupation pour la prévention, mais aussi le fait que le cancer colorectal se réfère à une partie du corps liée à un tabou, et considérée comme sale. Enfin, l’analyse des questionnaires a permis d’identifier plusieurs variables ayant une influence sur l’intention et le comportement de dépistage, à savoir : le comportement antérieur de dépistage, la fréquence de dépistage, le déni, la proximité sociale, les normes sociales et le contrôle comportemental perçu. Les analyses ont particulièrement mis en avant l’importance du contrôle comportemental perçu, pouvant agir directement sur le comportement sans passer par l’intention.ConclusionLes conclusions révèlent la pertinence d’allier une approche compréhensive à une approche prédictive. Nos perspectives proposent la mise en place d’interventions visant à améliorer le niveau de contrôle perçu de la population générale face à ce dépistage
IntroductionColorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in France (HAS, 2013) but also the third most common cancer (INCa, 2014). An organized screening programme has been put in place since 2008, but participation rates remain low: 33.5% in France (Santé Publique France, 2018). According to the literature, the main barriers to participation in screening are the lack of confidence in the health care system (Clavarino et al, 2004) ; embarrassment, discomfort and dissatisfaction accompanying testing procedures (Varela et al, 2010); or lack of time. Finally, the lack of general practitioners’ recommendations is one of the most significant obstacles (Walsh et al, 2010, Powell et al, 2009). The Hemoccult II test, used as part of organized screening until March 2015, was replaced by a new immunological test, considered more sensitive, more specific and more reliable by the medical community (INCa, 2014).Objectives and methodFaced with the low screening rates and main obstacles identified in the literature, this thesis aims at analyzing the determinants of screening participation, with both patient and general practitioner points of view. Moreover, it appears necessary to evaluate issues with the arrival of the new immunological test.This doctoral work is based on the technique of triangulation (theoretical, methodological and data triangulation). More precisely, two validated and recognized theoretical frameworks in health and social psychology were employed, namely the Theory of Social Representations (Moscovici, 1984), and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen et al, 1991), allowing the adoption of a comprehensive approach as well as a predictive approach to studying screening participation. Three studies have been set up:- A qualitative study through semi-structured interviews, conducted with 17 general practitioners, aimed at understanding their social representations of colorectal cancer screening and how it can be anchored in their practice of recommendation;- A qualitative study by focus groups, conducted with 29 participants from the general population. The objective was to apprehend their social representations of colorectal cancer screening as well as the obstacles and facilitators to screening participation.- A quantitative study by questionnaire, including 160 participants from the general population, endeavours to identify the key predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention and behaviour.Main resultsThe analysis of interviews revealed an inconsistency between the role general practitioners think they should play with patients in prevention and screening, and the reality of their practice which leaves them insufficient time to devote to it. The focus group analysis revealed that the main barriers to participation in screening are: the lack of accessibility of the test (needing to consult the general practitioner in order to obtain the screening kit), a low concern for prevention, but also the fact that colorectal cancer refers to a body part that is deemed taboo, and considered “dirty”. Finally, the analysis of questionnaires allowed the identification of several variables influencing intention and behaviour of screening, namely: previous screening behaviour, frequency of screening, denial, social proximity, social norms and perceived behavioural control. Analysis particularly emphasized the value of perceived behavioural control, which can directly influence behaviour without going through intention.ConclusionResults reveal the relevance of combining a comprehensive approach with a predictive approach. Our perspectives suggest the implementation of interventions aimed at improving the perceived level of control of the general population faced with this screening

Introduction : Les premiers mois qui suivent un diagnostic de cancer du sein représentent un temps critique pour les patientes et leur partenaire. Les objectifs de cette étude sont de décrire l’évolution de variables psychosociales et d’examiner les effets individuels et dyadiques de ces variables sur l’ajustement des couples. Méthode : 83 patientes atteintes d’un cancer et 76 couples touchés par cette maladie ont été rencontrés au début, au milieu et à la fin du traitement, puis 1, 3 et 6 mois après la fin du traitement. Ils ont complété des mesures de contrôle émotionnel, de détresse psychologique, de qualité de vie, d’ajustement dyadique, de soutien social et de coping face à la maladie. Résultats: Les résultats montrent que les sujets rapportent des niveaux élevés d’anxiété, avec un court déclin pour les patientes durant le traitement. Le soutien social, l’esprit combatif et les préoccupations diminuent avec le temps.En utilisant l’Actor and Partner Interdependence Model, nos résultats révèlent que la détresse psychologique, le contrôle émotionnel, le soutien social négatif et les stratégies de coping émotionnelles ont des effets acteurs et partenaires négatifs sur l’ajustement des patientes et des conjoints, et que l’ajustement dyadique et le soutien social ont des effets acteurs et partenaires positifs sur ce même ajustement. De plus, la détresse psychologique des patientes, le soutien social négatif et les stratégies de coping émotionnelles jouent un rôle positif et significatif sur l’ajustement des partenaires. Le soutien social a des effets acteurs et partenaires sur le choix des stratégies de coping. Conclusion : Ces résultats montrent l’importance de combiner les approches transactionnelle individuelle et systémique. Les résultats suggèrent également que les couples pourraient bénéficier d’interventions qui augmentent le soutien social et les compétences de communication et qui aident à gérer la détresse psychologique
Introduction: The first months following breast cancer diagnosis is a critical period for patients and their partners. The objectives of the study were to describe the course of psychosocial variables and to examine the individual and dyadic effects of these variables on the adjustment of couples.Method: 83 breast cancer patients and 76 couples dealing with breast cancer were interviewed at the biginning, half way through, at the end of the treatment, and 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment completion. They completed measures of emotional control, psychological distress, quality of life, dyadic adjustment, social support and coping.Results: Results showed that subjects endured high levels of anxiety, with a short decline for women during treatment. Social support, fighting spirit and anxious preoccupations decreased over time.Using the Actor and Partner Interdependence Model, results revealed that psychological distress, emotional control, negative social support and emotional coping strategies had similar negative actor and partner effects on respective adjustment, and that dyadic adjustment and social support had similar positive actor and partner effects on patients’ and partners’ adjustment. Patient’s psychological distress, negative social support and emotional coping strategies play significant and positive roles in partner’s adjustment. Social support had actor and partner effects on choices of coping strategies.Conclusion: These findings show the importance of combining individual transactional and systemic approaches. Results also suggest that couples may benefit from interventions that enhance social support and communications skills and manage psychological distress

Introduction : Grâce aux progrès des traitements et au diagnostic précoce, les cancers sont de mieux en mieux pris en charge et guéris. Toutefois durant la maladie et ses traitements, les patients ressentent souvent de la fatigue et celle-ci peut avoir un impact sur l'évolution de la maladie et la survie. La prévalence des cancers est d'autant plus élevée que la personne est âgée, personnes qui sont davantage touchées par la fatigue. Cette fatigue est accentuée par la fragilité des patients qui se caractérise par une faiblesse, une lenteur de marche ou encore une perte de poids involontaire. Des facteurs médicaux et psycho-sociaux sont associés à la fatigue et il est important de les évaluer pour mieux les prendre en compte lors de la prise en charge des patients. L'objectif de ce travail de thèse est d'étudier le rôle de certains facteurs psycho-sociaux (coping, soutien social, dépression et routinisation) associés à la fatigue chez des patients âgés et fragiles atteints d'un lymphome non-Hodgkinien.Méthode : Cette recherche, intitulée Psyfrail, est une étude ancillaire à un essai randomisé nommé Frail. Les patients inclus (n=50), âgés en moyenne de 82 ans, ont été évalués au niveau de la fatigue, de la dépression, du coping, du soutien social et de la routinisation lors d'un rendez-vous avec un psychologue avant le début des traitements (T1), au milieu (T2) et à la fin (T3). Des analyses transversales et longitudinales ont été effectuées pour mettre en évidence les facteurs associés à la fatigue aux différents temps de mesure et à son évolution.Résultats : L'utilisation de stratégies de coping centrées sur le problème à T1 est associée à une diminution des scores de fatigue générale et de réduction des activités à T1 et une diminution de la réduction de la motivation à T2. La routinisation augmente les scores de fatigue mentale et de réduction de la motivation à T2. La disponibilité du soutien social permet une moindre augmentation du score de réduction de la motivation au cours du temps. La diminution de la fatigue générale est moindre chez les patients ayant des niveaux élevés de coping centré sur l'émotion. La dépression est associée à une fatigue plus importante à T1 et T2.Conclusion : La promotion de stratégies adaptées pour aider les patients à faire face à la maladie et la prise en charge de la dépression pourrait avoir un impact positif sur la réduction de la fatigue
Introduction: Thanks to the progress of treatments and early diagnosis, cancers are better cured. However, during the disease and its treatments, patients often experience fatigue which could have an impact on disease progression and survival. Medical and psycho-social factors are associated with fatigue, which makes them important to evaluate in order to consider them properly when taking care of patients. Cancer prevalence is higher in the elderly, who are more affected by fatigue. This fatigue increases with frailty, characterized by a state of weakness, slow walking speed or unintentional weight loss. This is why we chose to focus on this specific populationThe objective of this thesis is to study the role of several psychosocial factors (coping, social support, depression and routinization) associated with fatigue in frail elderly patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Method: This research, entitled Psyfrail, is an ancillary study to a randomized trial named Frail. The 50 patients included, with a mean age of 82 years old, were evaluated in terms of fatigue, depression, coping, social support and routinization during a meeting with a psychologist before the start of treatment (T1), in the middle (T2) and at the end (T3). Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyzes were conducted to highlight the factors associated with fatigue at different measurement times and with its evolution.Results: The use of problem-focused coping at T1 is associated with a decrease in general fatigue and reduced activity scores at T1 and a decrease in the reduced motivation score at T2. Routinization increases mental fatigue and reduced motivation scores at T2. Social support availability is associated with a smaller increase in the reduced motivation score over time. The decrease in general fatigue is reduced in patients with high level of emotion focused coping. Depression is associated with a higher fatigue at T1 and T2.Conclusion: The promotion of appropriate strategies to help patients cope with the disease and the treatment of depression could have a positive impact on reducing fatigue

Alors que le traitement standard du cancer du rectum (traitement néoadjuvant avec chirurgie d’exérèse et stomie temporaire) n’épargne ni la psyché ni le corps, peu d’études se sont intéressées à l’ajustement psycho-social des patients qui y sont confrontés. Le corps est bien souvent perçu, à la suite des traitements, comme dérivant de la norme et générant un sentiment de honte. Ainsi le premier travail de cette thèse a été de valider un outil, en population française, permettant de mesurer la honte liée à l’image du corps. Dans un deuxième travail, nous avons pu comparer la honte liée à l’image du corps ainsi que la qualité de vie, l’image du corps, et la détresse psychologique des patients ayant reçu un traitement standard à ceux traités par excision locale (nouvelle approche proposée aux patients présentant une bonne réponse clinique aux traitements néoadjuvants). Le traitement standard entraînant des difficultés psycho-sociales plus marquées, nous avons évalué plus spécifiquement ses conséquences sur la détresse psychologique et l’image du corps dans un troisième travail. La période avec la stomie temporaire représente un temps spécifique durant lequel les patients semblent mettre leur vie entre parenthèses. Ainsi, dans un quatrième travail, nous avons investigué le rôle du temps comme un déterminant possible de la qualité de vie de ces sujets. Nos résultats ont montré qu’il conviendrait de considérer, dans le parcours de soin du patient, la façon dont celui-ci perçoit le temps, en vue de prévenir une altération de sa qualité de vie. Cette altération persiste plusieurs mois après la fin des traitements mais peu d’études s’y sont, à ce jour, intéressées. Ainsi, dans un cinquième travail, nous avons exploré la qualité de vie, deux ans après le diagnostic de cancer, chez des survivants du cancer du côlon-rectum traités par chirurgie avec ou sans stomie temporaire. Nous avons alors constaté que la qualité de vie physique était significativement plus altérée chez les patients qui ont eu une stomie. Face à ces difficultés, il convenait de proposer une intervention psycho-sociale répondant aux besoins émotionnels de ces patients. Peu d’interventions ont été développées en ce sens. Dans un sixième travail, nous avons développé et mis à l’épreuve une intervention psycho-sociale qui semble s’inscrire davantage dans une approche préventive. L’ensemble de ces travaux pourrait contribuer à améliorer l’accompagnement proposé à ces patients, même s’il est nécessaire de souligner l’importance de promouvoir la recherche dans ce domaine pour mieux comprendre encore les enjeux psycho-sociaux de ce traitement
While the standard treatment for rectal cancer (neoadjuvant treatment with rectal excision) has spared neither the psyche nor the body, few studies have focused on psychosocial adjustment of patients who have received this treatment. Following treatment, the body is often perceived as deviating from the norm, generating feelings of shame. The first objective of this thesis was to adapt, and validate, for the French population, a body image shame scale. The second step consisted in comparing body image shame, quality of life, body image, and psychological distress between rectal cancer patients treated by surgery with temporary stoma or local excision (a new treatment approach proposed for patients with rectal cancer after a good clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy). Since standard treatment leads to more psychosocial problems, in a third study, we examined the effects of standard treatment on psychological distress and body image. The temporary stoma period represents a specific time during which patients seem to temporarily suspend their lives. Thus, the fourth study of this thesis investigated how the role of time perspective might act as a determinant of quality of life for rectal cancer patients. The time perspective construct provides keys in order to improve quality of life of rectal cancer patients. Quality of life alterations persist several months after the end of treatments but, to date, few studies have focused on this topic. The fifth goal was to assess colorectal cancer survivors’ quality of life two years after diagnosis of colorectal cancer according to their stoma status (reversed or never formed). Participants with a reversed stoma score lower on the physical quality of life scale than participants without stoma. Patients with rectal cancer experience psychosocial challenges. To deal with these challenges, psychosocial interventions focused on emotional needs of rectal cancer patients treated by standard treatment should be proposed. There is a lack of this type of intervention for this population. The sixth purpose was to develop and test a psychosocial intervention which seems to be more in line with a preventive approach. Taken together, these works may contribute to improve the support offered to these patients, even though the importance of promoting research to deal with the psychosocial challenges of this treatment must be underlined

L'oncogénétique, l'étude des prédispositions héréditaires au cancer, constitue une discipline médicale dynamique, faisant l'objet de nombreuses innovations, tant technologiques que thérapeutiques. Les progrès scientifiques en oncogénétique rendent le recours aux tests génétiques à la fois moins coûteux, plus rapide et plus efficace, ce qui soulève ou réactualise paradoxalement de nombreux enjeux éthiques et psychosociaux tels que la capacité des patients à formuler un consentement éclairé ou le risque de dérives liées à des mésusages des tests génétiques. Face à ces changements, nous avons choisi d’explorer la façon dont est mobilisée l'expérience vécue ou projetée dans la mise en sens des enjeux éthiques et psychosociaux liés aux innovations technologiques et thérapeutiques en oncogénétique. Ce travail de recherche, résolument ancré en psychologie sociale, s'inscrit dans une approche critique des questions de santé où sont interrogés à la fois les besoins, attentes et contraintes des professionnels et usagers du système de soins, et les relations de pouvoir qui s'exercent tant au niveau interindividuel qu'au niveau plus large des politiques de santé. C'est grâce à la notion d'expérience vécue ou projetée que nous avons cherché à comprendre la façon dont les individus font sens de leur monde, et plus particulièrement des évolutions qui touchent l'oncogénétique. L'expérience, nécessairement sociale et socialement construite, est multidimensionnelle, nous proposons d'investiguer plus particulièrement trois de ces dimensions : - une dimension pratique centrée sur l’étude des relations soignants-patients, - une dimension de connaissances étudiée au travers de la négociation des connaissancesexpertes et du savoir de sens commun grâce à la théorie des représentations sociales, - et enfin une dimension émotionnelle envisagée sous l'angle des phénomènes de partage social des émotions et de régulation émotionnelle.Afin de répondre à ces objectifs, deux études complémentaires reposant sur des méthodologies qualitatives ont été mises en place dans une perspective de triangulation des données. La première étude a visé à investiguer la mise en sens des pratiques professionnelles ainsi que la façon dont les soignants se projettent dans un champ disciplinaire en pleine transition et dans leurs pratiques futures. Nous avons mené des entretiens semi-directifs auprès de 27 professionnels en oncogénétique (oncogénéticiens et conseillers en génétique). Les données recueillies ont fait l'objet d'une analyse interprétative phénoménologique (IPA) adaptée à un large échantillon sur les données recueillies, en nous appuyant sur le logiciel d'aide à l'analyse N-Vivo. La seconde étude avait pour objectif d'explorer la co-construction des représentations liées aux nouveaux usages de l'oncogénétique, ainsi que d'étudier l'impact de la l'expérience vécue sur la compréhension des enjeux éthiques liés àl'oncogénétique. Dix focus groups, reposant principalement sur la résolution de dilemmes éthiques, ont été réalisés auprès de 18 femmes ayant l'expérience d'au moins une consultation en oncogénétique et 21 femmes n'ayant pas d'expérience similaire, toutes recrutées par le biais de la plateforme Les Seintinelles, qui constitue une communauté d'intérêt autour du cancer. Une analyse inspirée de l'IPA a été réalisée sur les données ainsi recueillies avec appui sur le logiciel N-Vivo.Notre recherche a permis de souligner le caractère résolument social de la recherche de prédispositions génétiques en oncologie. L’oncogénétique est définie socialement autour de deux de ces objectifs : permettre de mettre en place des mesures de prévention destinées aux individus porteurs d’une mutation génétique, et donner une explication à une histoire familiale de cancer
Genetic testing for cancer, which aims to identify hereditary predispositions to cancer, is a dynamic medical field, where many technological and therapeutic innovations emerge. Scientific progress allows genetic testing to be both less expensive, faster and more efficient, which paradoxically raises new ethical and psychosocial issues, such as the patient’s ability to give informedconsent, or the risk of misuses of genetic testing. These changes led us to explore how lived experience is mobilized in the process of making sense of the ethical and psychosocial issues related to innovations in the field of genetic testing of cancer. This research, anchored in social psychology, is based on a critical approach of health issues, which questions the needs, expectations and constraints of health professionals and patients, and the power relationships that take place both at the interindividual level and, on a larger scale, within health policies. Based on the theoretical notion of lived experience, we aimed to understand how individuals make sense of their world, and more particularly of innovations in the field of genetic testing. Lived experience, necessarily social and socially constructed, has many dimensions, among which we chose to investigate the following three: - A practical dimension, based on the study of doctor patient-relationship, - A knowledge dimension, investigated through the negotiation of expert knowledge and common sense thanks to the social representations theory, - And an emotional dimension, based on the study of the phenomena of emotion regulation and social sharing of emotions.Based on the principles of methodological and data triangulation, our exploration was based on two complementary qualitative studies. The first study aimed to investigate sense making processes related to professional activities and how health professionals working in genetic testing for cancer imagine their future and the future of genetic testing. We led 27 semi-structured interviews with genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was performed analyze the data gathered, with the assistance of N-Vivo software. The second study aimed to explore the co-construction of representations related to new uses to genetic testing of cancer, and to investigate the impact of lived experience on the understanding of ethical issues related to genetic testing. We led ten focus groups, based mostly on the resolution of ethical dilemmas, with 18 women who attended at least one genetic counselling consultation, and 21 women who did not have a similar experience. All women were recruited thanks to the online collaborative research platform “Les Seintinelles”, which constitutes a cancer related community of interest.This research allowed us to highlight the social nature of genetic testing of cancer. This medical field is defined by two main goals: allowing carriers of genetic predisposition to undergo preventive measures, and making sense of a family history of cancer. Genetic counselling professionals report a high level of personal involvement in their work and emotion regulation strategies acquired on purpose and based on a strict division between their personal and professional life. The acknowledgement oftheir professional skills and the perceived quality of their relationships with their patients contribute highly to the work-related satisfaction of genetic testing professionals. The doctor-patient relationship is structured by an ideal of non-directivity, which can be questioned by the need to accompany and protect the patients, who are considered as vulnerable. Because of the risks of misuses of genetic testing, the strict legislation related to these practices in France is most often considered as valuable.Clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors are considered the most likely to provide genetic testing within an ethical framework

Psychosocial oncology is well established in Europe and in America. Similar initiatives are, however, rare in Africa. On the African continent, psychosocial services are scarce and often a luxury although the importance of psychosocial variables as mediators in the paediatric cancer outcomes have been widely recognised. The apartheid system in South Africa was instrumental in causing major disparities in health, education and socioeconomic status. In order to provide a more holistic service it becomes imperative to assess not only the psychosocial needs and resources of both children and parents who endure the disease but also the influence of socio-demographic variables such as race, educational level and socioeconomic status. This research was limited to collecting baseline information on how parents and children communicate about the illness, emotional responses and the psychological resources that they utilise to deal with the childhood cancer trajectory. The study group consisted of 100 children between the ages of 5 and 16 years who had been diagnosed with cancer and one or both parents of those children. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and standardised self-report measures. The results of the study indicate that both parents and children did not suffer disabling psychopathology, but certainly evidenced symptoms of depression and anxiety indicative of adjustment difficulties. Communicating about the illness was generally limited to physiological aspects of the disease and medically related matters, while emotional issues were rarely articulated. Children, parents and their siblings relied heavily on medical staff for their information needs. The age of the child was a significant factor with reference to amount and complexity of information imparted to children: adolescents were given more information about the treatment and prognosis; while younger children were given a limited amount of information. Race, socioeconomic status and educational levels of parents not only influenced the meanings and beliefs families developed around the cancer experience, but also the manner in which they expressed their emotions and the coping strategies that they employed.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Long-term psychosocial consequences of breast cancer are increasingly more important to study as survivors are living longer. However, the survivors do not experience cancer alone; their significant others often suffer just as much if not more than the survivors themselves. In this dissertation, we explore some long-term consequences of cancer within the context of the Social Cognitive Processing Theory (SCPT). SCPT proposes that an individual must be able to discuss their feelings in order to cognitively process a traumatic event, such as cancer. If discussions are hindered, in particular by a significant other, then one will be unable to work through his/her concerns, leading to poor psychological outcomes, such as depression and fear of recurrence. The purpose of this dissertation is to use SCPT to identify causal mechanisms of depressive symptoms and fear of recurrence using a large sample of young breast cancer survivors and their partners. For one paper, we also included a large set of older participants for comparison. This dissertation is divided into three distinct articles. Each article tests long-term consequences of breast cancer and its treatment on breast cancer survivors and their partners using SCPT to explain relationships. First we examine the hypothesized predictors of younger breast cancer survivors’ depressive symptoms including the partner variable of depressive symptoms. The second article addresses the partners by predicting their depressive symptoms using SCPT. The third and final article seeks to identify the relationship of predictors and FOR on both survivors and their partners again using SCPT. For survivors, structural equation modeling analyses found significant direct and indirect paths between depressive symptoms and theoretical variables, including social constraints (stb=.266, p<.001) and intrusive thoughts (stb=.453, p<.001). In partners, cognitive processing variables (intrusive thoughts and cognitive avoidance) mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms (F(5,498)= 19.385, R2=.163, p<.001). And finally, cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and fear of recurrence both for survivors [F(3,213)= 47.541, R2=.401, p<.001] and partners [F(3,215)= 27.917, R2=.280, p<.001). The evidence from these studies supports the use of SCPT in predicting depressive symptoms and fear of recurrence in both long-term survivors and partners.

As breast cancer incidence and survival rates increase, there is an urgent need to make appropriate psychosocial support available to all women with breast cancer. In this qualitative study, narrative inquiry was used to examine how women with breast cancer used visual creative expression (art therapy and/or independent art making) to address psychosocial needs that arose for them after their diagnoses. Seventeen women, aged 37-82, participated in this investigation. Data analysis of in-depth interviews with these women focused on narratives they constructed about why they turned to art therapy and/or independent art making and how it helped to be involved in these activities. Particular attention was given to the issue of meaning making. Four storylines emerged from the analysis. "Art and art therapy as a haven" came from narratives about using art making or art therapy for comfort and affirmation. The narratives that comprised "getting a clearer view" were about using visual creative expression to create a clear picture of emotional experience. "Clearing the way emotionally" came from narratives about self-expression and about processing difficult emotions. The narratives that yielded "expanding and enlivening the self were about the women fortifying and energizing themselves through visual creative expression. Two minor themes related to the role of the art therapist and negative experiences with art therapy also emerged. In their narratives, the women portrayed visual creative expression as flexible, compelling, and powerful means of addressing multiple psychosocial needs simultaneously. Above all, the storylines show that the women valued visual creative expression as a way to reduce the feeling of threat to existence, to affirm present existence, and to promote the ongoing existence of both their psyches and their bodies. The results of this study contribute to the field of psycho-oncology by extending understandings of meaning making in relation to breast cancer, supplying detailed explanations from the perspectives of women with breast cancer of how visual creative expression can be helpful, and providing valuable insight into how psychosocial support services based on visual creative expression might meet needs of women with breast cancer that would not be met through other types of services.

Models of health care concentrate on acute conditions yet the major cause of disease burden is chronic illness. An emphasis on biomedical, as opposed to bio-psychosocial models, underestimates psychological disability and fails to explain burdens resulting from illnesses with no known organic cause. Topics explored were: quality of life, chronic and acute stress, emotion regulation, communication, support services, patient expectations, satisfaction with medical treatment, and health care seeking. Using grounded theory (Glaser, 1992) and active patient participation (Susman & Evered, 1978), the major objective was to develop strategies to improve the management of chronic illness. Two groups were studied: 20 patients with an organic cause (cancer) and 21 patients with a non-organic cause (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Using quantitative and qualitative measures, observational studies (N=29), interviews (N=41), focus groups (N=12), and a case study (N=10) were conducted. IBS patients reported greater disability (increased distress and reduced quality of life) than the cancer group and other chronic illnesses. Cancer patients showed impaired quality of life but they reported levels of distress up to 50% lower than the general population and 75% lower than another chronic illness group. Some cancer patients appeared to under-report levels of distress; however, when applying Pennebaker’s (1997) written disclosure method, emotional expression was not uniformly associated with beneficial outcomes. Interviews with IBS patients revealed that determinants of dissatisfaction involved a lack of acceptance and/or understanding of an IBS diagnosis and an expectation that consultants would find an organic cause. Cancer participants reported no need for participation in decisions concerning treatment. Evaluations of the quality of health services received were distinct from evaluations of the quality of care received by specialists. Fighting spirit and positivity were linked with emotional inhibition and a lack of uptake of support services. Patients became more pro-active in seeking emotional and social support later in their illness experience. These findings were interpreted within the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR; Hobfoll, 2001; 1999; 1998). Results in this study challenge public policy recommendations that focus on encouraging consumer participation in health care. Recommendations for intervention and future research with cancer patients focus on application of the COR theory. In IBS, patient education, improvements in communication and the adoption of Drossman’s (1998) bio-psychosocial model are advocated. Finally, recommendations for improvements in methodology involve suggestions to incorporate quantitative and qualitative measures using longitudinal assessments with the grounded theory (Glaser, 1992) approach being an excellent methodological template.
http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1339782
Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2008

The master's thesis Women after breast cancer describes the influence of breast cancer on some aspects of the psychosocial life of affected women. In the theoretical part, the author describes the breast cancer, its causes, incidence, presents classification of tumors and risk factors, introduces strategies for prevention and makes the reader aware of symptoms and the quality of life of sufferers. Furthermore, the author analyzes contemporary therapies for the treatment of breast cancer. The empirical part of the master's thesis includes four interviews that serve as the basis for analysis and interpretation of the research. The goal of this thesis is to understand what influence breast cancer has on some of the psychosocial aspects of life of women that suffered from it. The author also investigates what obstacles the breast cancer causes within family life, its influence on work, the psychological state of the victims and what factors created the most difficulties during patients' treatment. The author chose the method of qualitative research, and the techniques of semi-structured interview, analysis of medical documentation and self-observation. KEYWORDS Breast cancer, quality of life, psychosocial aspects of tumor

This study addresses the importance of studies of human psychoneuroimmunology in understanding the role of psychological factors in cancer. Research trends in psychosocial aspects of cancer are reviewed, exploring the role of distress and the support group as an intervention which potentially reduces distress through enhancing interpersonal relationships, emotional adjustment and communication with health professionals, in these ways helping the patient to cope with the symptoms of treatment. In South Africa, most hospitals which treat cancer patients medically do not simultaneously have support groups for the newly diagnosed patient to join in order to discuss immediate fears and acquire more knowledge about their particular disease. Following an experimental cancer support group involving patients who had recently undergone a bone marrow transplant (some considerable time after their first cancer diagnosis) in Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital, the researcher, as one of the participants in the fortnightly meetings convened to dicuss psychosocial issues related to each patient's experience of the cancer and transplant process, transferred the themes, concepts and questions that arose in that scenario, to a cancer clinic in Pretoria where recently diagnosed patients were asked to volunteer to participate in such a group. It was felt that these patients would derive some benefit early in their treatment programme. Psychosocial concerns are left to the individual patient to seek therapy should it be required. Presently, it is reported in the body of knowledge about cancer, that interventions aimed at alleviating the psychosocial distress of cancer patients highlight hypnosis, guided imagery and relaxation therapy. It is contended that a more appropriate intervention for the majority of people with cancer in South Africa would entail a fellow-patient support group meeting on a regular basis.
Psychology
(M.A. (Psychology)