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Psychological health in cancer survivors
Michael A Andrykowski1, Emily Lykins, Andrea Floyd
1Department of Behavioural Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, USA. mandry@uky.edu
Objectives:
The prevalence of both negative (distress) and positive responses (growth, well-being) to the cancer experience is examined and difficulties in establishing the prevalence of these responses discussed. A conceptual framework for understanding factors associated with psychological health in cancer survivors is presented. Finally, strategies for promoting psychological health in cancer survivors are examined.
Data Sources:
Review of the literature.
Conclusion:
Psychological health in cancer survivors is defined by the presence or absence of distress as well as the presence or absence of positive well-being and psychological growth. Furthermore, psychological health in cancer survivors is determined by the balance between two classes of factors: the stress and burden posed by the cancer experience and the resources available for coping with this stress and burden.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
In general, promotion of psychological health is based on the prevention or treatment of distress as well as the encouragement of growth and well-being. Periodic screening for psychological distress across the cancer trajectory is critical to appropriate management of distress.
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