Men's strategies for preserving emotional well-being in advanced prostate cancer: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Anneliese Levy1, Tina Cartwright
1a Department of Psychology , University of Westminster , London , UK.
Objective:
This study explores men with advanced prostate cancers' own practices for promoting and maintaining emotional well-being using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Design:
Five men with advanced prostate cancer participated in face-to-face, semi-structured, in-depth interviews.
Results:
Within rich narratives of lost and regained well-being, two super-ordinate themes emerged--'living with an imminent and uncertain death' and 'holding on to life.' Well-being was threatened by reduced sense of the future, isolation and uncertainty. Yet, the men pursued well-being by managing their emotions, striving for the future whilst enjoying life in the present, taking care of their families and renegotiating purpose. Running through participant's accounts was a preference for taking action and problem-solving. Sense of purpose, social connectedness, and life engagement were revealed as concepts central to improving well-being, indicating areas which practitioners could explore with men to help them re-establish personal goals and life purpose.
Conclusions:
The findings also add weight to the evidence base for the potential value of psychological interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness in men with prostate cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Menopause
Protecting Self-Esteem

