BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: CONNECTIONS AND DISCONNECTIONS IN THE RELATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
Contributors: Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.
Published: 1996
Number of pages: 177
Subjects: Psychology, Clinical.; Health Sciences, Mental Health.; Psychology, Developmental.; Psychology, Social.; Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: There are a growing number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer. The research on the psychological effects of breast cancer includes a focus on diagnosis, the early stages of breast cancer, and recurrence. It has been stated that the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be survivors (Ferrans, 1994). However, the research regarding survivorship is quite limited, primarily focusing on changes that may have occurred in the daily functioning of the women's lives.

This study explored the relational experience of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer more than three years ago. Ten women were interviewed using a semi-structured qualitative interview format. The interview was organized around questions pertaining to women's experiences in their important relationships, and examined both what has changed and what has stayed the same in these relationships. Subjects discussed how they experienced the evolution of their relationships, and how they perceive they have changed in these relationships.

The data that emerged from the interviews highlights the many ways in which women's relationships change through illness. These relational changes ranged from the relationship strengthening, to disappointments around the imbalance of mutuality and communication that occurred. In addition, participants spoke to how they believe they have changed in relationships, including becoming more assertive, more empathic, more honest and having less expectations in others. The data is discussed as it contributes to our understanding of women's psychological development, which views women's connections with others as primary to women's development.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-05, Section: B, page: 3401.

Thesis (PSY.D.)--MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 1996.

School code: 1005.