THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG WOMEN'S HEALTH BELIEFS REGARDING BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION, THEIR EXPLANATORY STYLE FOR POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EVENTS, AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION FREQUENCY.
Contributors: Adelphi University.
Published: 1989
Number of pages: 241
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Women's Studies.; Health Sciences, Public Health.; Psychology, Personality.
Description: Three theoretical frameworks provided a rationale for this study. The Health Belief Model (HBM) (Becker, 1974) was employed to predict relationships among six constructs, perceived susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, barriers, control, and health motivation, which were defined in relation to breast-self examination (BSE) by (Champion, 1984; 1985; 1987). Two attributional theories were also used: an attributional framework of achievement motivation (Weiner, 1980; 1983; 1985) and the reformulated learned helplessness theory (Abramson et al., 1978; Peterson & Seligman, 1984) for positive and negative event perceptions, respectively.

It was hypothesized that the six interactive, multiplicative constructs (HBM-BSE Model), and explanatory style dimensions for positive and negative events (internal/external, stable/unstable, and global/specific) would significantly discriminate two groups: non-to-low (N-LP) and regular, monthly (RP) BSE practicers (p =.05).

The revised Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) (Champion, 1987), the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) (Peterson et al., 1982), and a Personal Data Sheet were administered to a convenience sample of 126 Caucasian Jewish women. From this group, a sample representing the two BSE practice groups was used (n = 81).

Discriminant analysis revealed that none of the hypotheses were supported (p $>$.05). Classification results showed 69.05% were "grouped" correctly by the HBM-BSE model, while such results for positive and negative explanatory style were no better than chance.

When tested individually, ANOVA revealed a statistically significant mean difference for the perceived barriers construct in the N-LP BSE group when compared with the RP and monthly plus (M+) BSE groups (p $<$.001). ANOVA also showed that women who reported never having had a breast disease perceived significantly more benefits (p =.05) and performed BSE significantly more frequently than those who have/had breast disease (chi-square =.008). Thirteen women who had a negative explanatory style practiced BSE more frequently, i.e., from two to six times per week.

Qualitative analysis of women's verbatim responses regarding greater than monthly BSE practice indicated the presence of benign breast disease was the major reason. Descriptive data of selected breast cancer risk factors/behaviors were presented. Recommendations for further research were discussed.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 50-04, Section: B, page: 1327.

Thesis (PH.D.)--ADELPHI UNIVERSITY, 1989.

School code: 0001.