Family Intervention for Young Women with Breast Cancer
Abstract
Existing literature suggests that young women with breast cancer are vulnerable to the development of psychological morbidity. Their adjustment can have a substantial impact on their partner and children, whose adaptation in turn can influence that of the breast cancer patient. Psychosocial interventions have been effective at reducing psychological morbidity associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, but have thus far not been targeted at young women with breast cancer and their families. The aims of this research are: 1. to investigate the impact of breast cancer on the families of younger women, focusing on the effects of breast cancer on the relationship between the parents, the adjustment of preschool and school-age children, and the personal stresses of both parents, and 2. to translate these findings into a Basic psychosocial intervention involving a group for breast cancer patients and spouses and an Expanded intervention that adds intervention groups for the children. The effects of the Basic and Expanded psychosocial interventions on reducing psychological distress in young women with breast cancer and their families will be compared and the effectiveness of the psychosocial intervention for preschool and school-age children for enhancing adjustment to their mother's illness will be evaluated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA380425
Entities
People
- Sally Tarbell
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh