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Associations between benefit finding and adjustment outcomes in thyroid cancer
Rachel V Costa1, Kenneth I Pakenham
1School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Psycho-Oncology
|March 19, 2011
Summary
Benefit finding (BF) in thyroid cancer (TC) patients is linked to positive psychological adjustment and health behavior changes. Partner ratings validate these findings, highlighting BF
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Oncology
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Limited research exists on psychological adjustment in thyroid cancer (TC) patients.
- Benefit finding (BF) has not been previously studied in this population.
- Adjustment is conceptualized broadly, including cognitive states, motivational states, and health behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between benefit finding (BF) and psychological adjustment in thyroid cancer (TC) patients.
- To investigate the association between BF and health behavior changes.
- To assess partner ratings as external validation for BF and health behavior changes.
Main Methods:
- 154 TC patients and 32 partners completed questionnaires.
- Utilized an expanded conceptualization of adjustment and a BF measure accounting for positive and negative changes.
- Examined partner ratings for external validity.
Main Results:
- BF was associated with greater positive affect, wisdom, spiritual wellbeing, and lifestyle changes.
- BF predicted positive health behavior changes.
- Partner ratings corroborated patient-reported health behavior changes.
Conclusions:
- Benefit finding (BF) is related to health behavior changes corroborated by significant others.
- BF is strongly associated with existentially oriented adjustment outcomes in TC patients.
- Findings support BF as a relevant factor in TC patient adjustment.
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