An investigation into the factors associated with psychological adjustment in men and women who have undergone surgery for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a major health problem for both men and women today. It is also lone of several site-specific cancers that patients are likely to survive beyondfive years of diagnosis. The majority of patients show good psychological adjustment following the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. However, the literature suggests that approximately one quarter of patients continue to have clinically significant psychological symptoms at least one year after diagnosis. This study aimed to investigate psychological adjustment in 33 colorectal cancer patients (J -2 years postsurgery); and to explore a series of demographic, disease and treatment, psychological and social factors that may be associated with psychological adjustment. A secondary ,, aim of the study was to explore colorectal cancer patients' perceptions of and satisfaction with, care during diagnosis and treatment. Results showed lower levels of psychological distress (anxiety and depression) than those reported in previous studies with under 10 per cent of clinically significant cases. Levels of psychological distress were associated with age, disease severity and the presence of other concurrent physical health problems. Coping style was found to relate significantly with psychological adjustment. Taking the methodological limitations of this study into consideration, the results are interpreted in the context of the empirical and theoretical literature. Clinical and research implications are also discussed. A larger scale, longitudinal evaluation of the issues is clearly needed.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

The Open University

Year dc:date.issued

1999

Author dc:creator

• Baylis, Kate

Language dc:language

en