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Psychosocial adjustment to a mastectomy
1Psychology Department, Fordham University, Bronx, New York 10458-5198.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Mastectomy patients experience psychological, sexual, and social adjustment challenges post-surgery. Environmental support significantly aids recovery, highlighting the need for holistic patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Growing recognition of psychosocial needs in mastectomy patients.
- Need for quantitative data on adjustment reactions and mediating factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify psychological, sexual, and social adjustment post-mastectomy.
- To examine interactions between these adjustment areas.
- To assess the role of environmental support in mediating responses.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 77 married and unmarried mastectomy patients.
- Utilized validated scales: Body-Cathexis/Self-Cathexis, SCL-90, Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory, Social Adjustment Scale-Self-Report, Perceived Social Support Scale, Support Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Mastectomy impacts psychological, sexual, and social adjustment temporarily.
- Significant correlations observed between psychological, sexual, and social adjustment domains.
- Marital status influenced adjustment outcomes.
- Environmental support is crucial for postoperative adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Mastectomy necessitates addressing psychosocial well-being alongside physical recovery.
- Interconnectedness of psychological, sexual, and social adjustment requires integrated support strategies.
- Environmental support systems are vital for improving patient outcomes after mastectomy.