Open AccessPSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO CANCER: A CASE FOR CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS
Author(s) -
Hunt Roger W.,
Bond Malcolm J.,
Pater Graeme D.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
community health studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 0314-9021
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-6405.1990.tb00018.x
Subject(s) - psychological distress , distress , cancer , clinical psychology , medicine , psychological stress , psychology , psychiatry , mental health
This study investigates the responses of patients and their carers to the diagnosis of cancer. The reporting of stress by patients, using linear analogue scales, and their psychological distress, as measured by the General Health Questionnaire, indicated benefits for members of a community‐based cancer support group. The responses of carers revealed that the impact of the diagnosis was as great on them as on patients. Various mediators were considered and age was found to significantly influence the reporting of stress. The limitations and implications of the findings are discussed.