Search

The psychological and social consequences of having a diagnosis of cancer can continue beyond the initial year of diagnosis. However, very few empirical studies examine the long-term adjustment of cancer survivors and the factors that promote survivors' well-being. This paper presents an 18 month follow-up study of 26 women who were treated for various types of cancer at a major medical center in the United States. They completed questionnaires during the initial treatment phase of the illness and 18 months liner. The questionnaire consisted of standardized scales measuring relationship factors (i.e., mutuality, silencing-the-self schemas, and relationship-focused coping) and psychosocial well-being (i.e., quality of life, depression, self-care agency). The results of the follow-up study revealed that the women's psychosocial well-being changed for the better between Time 1 and Time 2. while their relationship factors remained constant. Only one relational Factor, silencing-the-self beliefs, at Time 1, was significantly correlated with a well-being variable at Time 2. However, relationship factors at Time 2 were significantly correlated with psychosocial wellbeing at Time 2, indicating that relational Factors continue to play a significant role in the sample's psychosocial adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chapter presents an integration of findings from several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies conducted in the past on the psychosocial etiology of the risk and protective factors for drug use. The studies are used as a base from which to discuss the major empirical and theoretical issues related to the causes of adolescent drug use and identify effective prevention programs that address psychosocial risk factors for drug use and abuse.