Latent profiles of psychological well being among cancer survivors: Associations with individual and sexual health characteristics

A central component of a person’s well-being that is significantly impacted by cancer and its treatments is sexual health. To improve the quality of life after cancer, efforts that embrace a sex-positive view and that are representative of survivor’s needs and experiences are incumbent. One approach to help improve the sexual health needs of survivors is to understand the characteristics of survivors who are flourishing (i.e., doing well psychologically). Using the Mid-life in the United States (MIDUS) data, this study examined sexual health characteristics (e.g., sexual pleasure, sexual discomfort, level of intimacy) among a sample of cancer survivors grouped by individual patterns of psychological well-being (i.e., Autonomy, Environmental Mastery, Personal Growth, Positive Relations with Others, Purpose in Life, Self-Acceptance) and examined demographic and sexual health factors that differentiate the groups. Four profiles of PWB were identified and include the High (29.5%) profile that had the highest rates of PWB; the High-Moderate (36%) that had the second highest rates of PWB; the Low-Moderate (22.5%) that had low rates of PWB; and the Low (12%) profile that had the lowest rates of PWB. Findings indicated that individuals in the higher well-being profile reported higher levels of sexual pleasure, emotional intimacy, and lower pain and discomfort. We found that sexual pleasure and intimacy are key aspects to consider when understanding PWB of cancer survivors. As such, one approach to improve cancer survivors PWB is to focus on enhancing individual levels of sexual pleasure, emotional intimacy and ways to reduce pain or discomfort. The current study underscores the importance of sexual health in relation to psychological well-being (PWB) among cancer survivors. Incorporating sexual health treatments among patients with chronic illness is needed to help improve patient PWB and overall quality of life.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2019

Author dc:creator

• Jones, Ashleigh E.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Strauser, David R.
• Alston, Reginald
• Chiu, Chung-Yi
• Wong, Alex

• Cancer survivors
• Psychological well-being
• Sexual health

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2019 Ashleigh Jones

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105171

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/105171