 |
|
Quality of life may impact coping strategies of young women with breast cancer
March 25, 2009WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Numerous studies have shown a relationship between coping strategies and quality of life (QOL) among women with breast cancer. In a study published today in the online edition of Journal of Behavioral Medicine, an investigation of coping strategies and quality of life among younger women with breast cancer suggests that QOL determines the use of coping strategies.
"It is generally assumed that coping strategies impact quality of life, with more active coping strategies generally associated with better QOL," said Suzanne C. Danhauer, Ph.D., assistant professor at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and lead investigator of these analyses. This investigation was part of a study focused on younger women with breast cancer conducted by co-author and Principal Investigator Nancy E. Avis, Ph.D. The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute. "This research examined coping strategies over time and the reciprocal relationship between coping strategies and QOL among younger women with breast cancer to see if the opposite might be true -- that QOL determines the use of coping strategies," said Danhauer.
Studies have consistently shown that younger women report greater psychological distress following breast cancer diagnosis than older women. Several investigations have also found that younger women with breast cancer report significantly worse QOL than older women, particularly in emotional and social domains.
From a developmental perspective, younger women face unique issues such as premature onset of menopause that may lead to infertility, sudden onset of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and/or night sweats) and long-term consequences of ovarian decline; changes in relationships with one's partner and/or children; multiple role demands of parenthood and career, and greater concerns about body image and sexuality.
Participants in the study, "A Longitudinal Investigation of Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Younger Women with Breast Cancer," consisted of 267 women with breast cancer, with a mean age of 43 years, who completed baseline surveys within six months of diagnosis and follow-up surveys six weeks and six months later. The surveys included questions on coping strategies, QOL and medical factors.
Eligible women were sent a baseline packet of self-report questionnaires to complete. Following completion of the baseline survey, women were randomly assigned to receive a booklet or videotape describing how women often respond to a breast cancer diagnosis. Follow-up surveys were completed within six to eight weeks and six to eight months after the mailing of the educational material. These time frames were selected to assess short- and longer-term impact of the interventions.
Results of the study revealed that coping strategies in younger women changed over time. Seeking social support, spirituality, wishful thinking, and making changes decreased over time and detachment increased. Positive cognitive restructuring (reinterpreting something stressful as positive or helpful) was the most frequently used coping strategy and its use remained high over time. Keeping feelings to oneself was the least used coping strategy and its use remained consistently low over time.
Despite the unique issues and difficulties experienced by younger women with breast cancer, their coping strategies do not appear different from those of women with breast cancer in general regardless of age.
The reciprocal relationship between QOL and coping strategies during the year following diagnosis showed an interesting pattern. Coping at one time point showed little predictive value of subsequent QOL. However, poorer QOL was a significant predictor of greater use of several coping strategies (seeking social support, keeping feelings to self and wishful thinking) at subsequent time points. This finding suggests that people adapt their coping strategies in response to problems with which they are dealing.
While the study had several limitations (e.g. sample comprised predominantly of higher educated Caucasian women and only younger women), it adds a valuable contribution to the literature on coping with cancer.
"We emphasize, however, that this finding is suggestive and not definitive," Danhauer said. "The relationship between coping strategies and QOL is complicated and future studies should examine this reciprocal relationship."
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
From a developmental perspective, younger women face unique issues such as premature onset of menopause that may lead to infertility, sudden onset of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and/or night sweats) and long-term consequences of ovarian decline; changes in relationships with one's partner and/or children; multiple role demands of parenthood and career, and greater concerns about body image and sexuality.
Participants in the study, "A Longitudinal Investigation of Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Younger Women with Breast Cancer," consisted of 267 women with breast cancer, with a mean age of 43 years, who completed baseline surveys within six months of diagnosis and follow-up surveys six weeks and six months later. The surveys included questions on coping strategies, QOL and medical factors.
Eligible women were sent a baseline packet of self-report questionnaires to complete. Following completion of the baseline survey, women were randomly assigned to receive a booklet or videotape describing how women often respond to a breast cancer diagnosis. Follow-up surveys were completed within six to eight weeks and six to eight months after the mailing of the educational material. These time frames were selected to assess short- and longer-term impact of the interventions.
Results of the study revealed that coping strategies in younger women changed over time. Seeking social support, spirituality, wishful thinking, and making changes decreased over time and detachment increased. Positive cognitive restructuring (reinterpreting something stressful as positive or helpful) was the most frequently used coping strategy and its use remained high over time. Keeping feelings to oneself was the least used coping strategy and its use remained consistently low over time.
Despite the unique issues and difficulties experienced by younger women with breast cancer, their coping strategies do not appear different from those of women with breast cancer in general regardless of age.
The reciprocal relationship between QOL and coping strategies during the year following diagnosis showed an interesting pattern. Coping at one time point showed little predictive value of subsequent QOL. However, poorer QOL was a significant predictor of greater use of several coping strategies (seeking social support, keeping feelings to self and wishful thinking) at subsequent time points. This finding suggests that people adapt their coping strategies in response to problems with which they are dealing.
While the study had several limitations (e.g. sample comprised predominantly of higher educated Caucasian women and only younger women), it adds a valuable contribution to the literature on coping with cancer.
"We emphasize, however, that this finding is suggestive and not definitive," Danhauer said. "The relationship between coping strategies and QOL is complicated and future studies should examine this reciprocal relationship."
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Coping Strategies Current Events and Coping Strategies News RSSStudy offers tips on taming the boogie monster
Many parents of preschoolers struggle with their children's fears of real and imaginary creatures. A new study offers some ideas on how they can better manage their children's worries.
Inhibitor of heat shock protein is a potential anticancer drug, Penn study finds
Like yoga for office drones, cells do have coping strategies for stress. Heat, lack of nutrients, oxygen radicals - all can wreak havoc on the delicate internal components of a cell, potentially damaging it beyond repair.
Chemobrain - the flip side of surviving cancer
One of the most problematic side effects of cancer treatment, chemobrain - a range of symptoms including memory loss, inability to concentrate, difficulty thinking and other subtle cognitive changes following chemotherapy - seriously diminishes women's quality of life and daily functioning.
Work conditions impact parents' food choices
Since most parents in the US are employed, there are competing demands on their time that can compromise food choices for themselves and their children.
Problem solving and coping styles related to CPAP adherence
According to a research abstract that will be presented on Monday, June 8, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, active problem solving strategies are associated with successful use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
1 in 10 advanced colon cancer patients worry about prescription drug costs
The vast majority of advanced colon cancer patients in a clinical trial were not concerned about the cost of prescription drugs for managing chemotherapy side effects, such as infection, pain and nausea and few adopted strategies to reduce drug cost burdens after joining the clinical trial.
Work stress associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes in police officers
Exposure to critical incidents, workplace discrimination, lack of cooperation among coworkers, and job dissatisfaction correlated significantly with perceived work stress among urban police officers, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
Scatological clues lead to an intimate view
The guys were all stressed out. There were new infants in the community, and the guys knew from experience that that's when invaders were likely to come and kill the babies, particularly the male infants.
Hypertension disparity linked to environment
Social environment may play a greater role in the disparity between the numbers of African Americans living with hypertension compared to non-Hispanic whites with the disease.
Americans spending, gambling, saving
For some, spending in today's tumultuous economy is not a problem, especially for those who don't care what everyone else has. But for others, casino splurges, not saving enough or buying the latest iPhone on impulse can lead to emotional turmoil or financial troubles, according to several new studies on consumer behavior.
More Coping Strategies Current Events and Coping Strategies News Articles
 |
Courage After Fire: Coping Strategies for Troops Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and Their Families by Keith Armstrong (Author), Dr. Suzanne Best (Author), Dr. Paula Domenici (Author), Bob Dole (Foreword) The bravery displayed by our soldiers at war is commonly recognized. However, often forgotten is the courage required by veterans when they return home and suddenly face reintegration into their families, workplaces, and communities. Authored by three mental health professionals with many years of experience counseling veterans, Courage After Fire provides strategies and techniques for this challenging journey home. Courage After Fire offers soldiers and their families a comprehensive guide to dealing with the all-too-common repercussions of combat duty, including posttraumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It details state-of-the-art treatments for these difficulties and outlines specific ways to improve couple and family relationships. Courage After... |
 |
Coping Strategies for Parkinson's Disease Parkinson's Answers (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Autism: Coping Strategies for Family and Friends Also With: TMC for Autism (Producer) This recording of Marian Joiner's family seminar introduces family and friends to autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger's and PDD. Marian gives insight for understanding individuals with ASD and effective, time-tested strategies for improving relationships with friends and relatives with communication disorders. This program includes Marian's famous "Living with autism" demonstration. For over 20 years now, The Model Classroom has provided educational opportunities for children with autism. It has also provided support and information for the families and friends of those children, as well as valuable training seminars for educators in the southeastern United States. Now, the intervention techniques that have made The Model Classroom so successful in creating educational, social... |
 |
You Should Hear What You Are Missing - Coping Strategies and Assistive Listening Devices For the Hearing Impaired (VHS Video and Booklet) Also With: The Deaf Action Center (Producer) This video, written and produced by a hard of hearing person portrays four situations where hard of hearing people have problems in communication. The first problem is with a hard of hearing mother and her daughter, the second shows problems a husband and wife have in communication, the third situation shows a business man in a conference room and the fourth problem shows a boy in second grade trying to fit in with the rest of the class. Each problem situation is revisited and shows solutions for these problems by using practical coping strategies and many assistive devices to help the people with hearing loss communicate with family members, coworkers and friends. The video will help people with hearing loss gain self-confidence and independence. |
 |
The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies by Robert M. Moldwin (Author) Interstitial cystitis, chronic inflammation of the bladder, can have a devastating effect on the lives of both sufferers and loved ones. This handbook reviews the latest medications and their side effects, surgeries, and alternative treatment options. |
 |
Splitsville by Franklin Learning Systems, Inc. Children are faced with many challenges when parents separate/divorce. SplitsvilleTM introduces children to the six skills they will need to successfully navigate a parental separation. The game uses ice cream sundae pieces to teach important coping skills. At the start of the game and along the way they read poems on road signs that bolster confidence and set a positive, optimistic tone to the game. Players start with a sundae cup and add all parts of the sundae by spinning and answering questions in each category. Each delicious topping helps teach an important coping skill, and each topping is represented by a deck of cards. Bendable Banana teaches the importance of flexibility as children adjust to the rules, routines, and expectations of different households. Cool Down Ice Cream... |
 |
The Audition Process: Anxiety Management and Coping Strategies (Juilliard Performance Guides) by Stuart Edward Dunkel (Author) The stress and anxiety which performers experience at auditions and concerts can be managed through the use of many and varied techniques, here explored in a comprehensive book by oboist-composer Stuart Dunkel. Written as a practical guide for immediate use, in language free of confusing psychological terminology, The Audition Process offers a compendium of approaches as presented by other musicians, psychologists, and athletes. The principal problem areas that one must confront, before and during an audition, are presented in four wide-ranging topical sections. |
 |
When Perfect Isn't Good Enough: Strategies for Coping With Perfectionism by Martin M. Antony (Author), Richard P. Swinson (Author) It's only natural to want to avoid making mistakes, but imperfection is a part of being human. And while perfectionists are often praised for their abilities, being constantly anxious about details can hold you back and keep you from reaching your full potential. In this fully revised and updated second edition of When Perfect Isn't Good Enough, you'll discover the root cause of your perfectionism, explore the impact of perfectionism on your life, and find new, proven-effective coping skills to help you overcome your anxiety about making mistakes. This guide also includes tips for dealing with other perfectionists and discussions about how perfectionism is linked to worry, depression, anger, social anxiety, and body image. As you complete the exercises in this book, you'll find it... |
 |
Making ADD Work: On-the-Job Strategies for Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder by Blythe Grossberg (Author) Career consultant and psychologist Blythe Grossberg offers advice on managing A.D.D. symptoms that arise during daily work routines-and provides insights from well-known entrepreneurs, CEOs, professional athletes, and others afflicted with the condition who paved their way to success. |
 |
Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder by Bruce M., Ph.D. Hyman (Author), Troy Dufrene (Author) Do you know about the Doomsayer? He's the guy dressed in raggedy clothes, hanging around on street corners with a cardboard sign that reads, "The End Is Near!" He's always ready to tell you that mobile phones cause cancer, air traffic fatalities are up this year, and locusts are poised to swarm the city. Having OCD is a lot like having this character living inside your head. He's with you all the time; he knows your deepest fears, and he's not afraid to use them. You try to brush him off at first, but he's so sure of himself, so persistent that you find yourself taking his proclamations to heart. And you worry--a lot. Is my cell pone giving me tumor? What about those locusts? The anxiety of not knowing is unbearable. After a while, you start engaging in little rituals to keep the... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |