Jessica L Burris1, Jessica N Rivera-Rivera2, Kent Armeson3, Jane Zapka3, Anthony J Alberg4, Terry A Day5, Katherine R Sterba3. 1. Department of Psychology and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 307 Combs Cancer Research Building, Lexington, KY, 40536-0096, USA. burris.jessica@gmail.com. 2. Department of Psychology and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, 307 Combs Cancer Research Building, Lexington, KY, 40536-0096, USA. 3. Department of Public Health Sciences and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. 4. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. 5. Department of Otolaryngology and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This longitudinal study explores causal attributions in newly diagnosed head/neck cancer (HNC) patients and their caregivers. METHODS: Perceptions of causal attributions and associated level of responsibility regarding each patient's HNC diagnosis at baseline (n = 72 dyads) were described and then tested as predictors of depressive symptoms, cancer worry, and perceived support 6 months later. RESULTS: When causes were reported, tobacco and alcohol use topped the list of both patients and caregivers. Three-quarters of dyads agreed about perceptions of the patients' responsibility in causing their HNC. Some dyad-level patterns of causal attribution were associated with patients' and caregivers' cancer worry (p < 0.05) and caregivers' perceived support (p < 0.05) in unadjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates that causal attributions warrant further exploration in HNC patient-caregiver dyads specifically, as well as studies of quality of life in patient-caregiver dyads more broadly considered.
PURPOSE: This longitudinal study explores causal attributions in newly diagnosed head/neck cancer (HNC) patients and their caregivers. METHODS: Perceptions of causal attributions and associated level of responsibility regarding each patient's HNC diagnosis at baseline (n = 72 dyads) were described and then tested as predictors of depressive symptoms, cancer worry, and perceived support 6 months later. RESULTS: When causes were reported, tobacco and alcohol use topped the list of both patients and caregivers. Three-quarters of dyads agreed about perceptions of the patients' responsibility in causing their HNC. Some dyad-level patterns of causal attribution were associated with patients' and caregivers' cancer worry (p < 0.05) and caregivers' perceived support (p < 0.05) in unadjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates that causal attributions warrant further exploration in HNC patient-caregiver dyads specifically, as well as studies of quality of life in patient-caregiver dyads more broadly considered.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cancer; Causal attributions; Distress; Dyads; Social support
Authors: Margreet Scharloo; Robert J Baatenburg de Jong; Ton P M Langeveld; Els van Velzen-Verkaik; Margreet M Doorn-op den Akker; Adrian A Kaptein Journal: Head Neck Date: 2005-10 Impact factor: 3.147
Authors: Donald E Bailey; Lawrence Landerman; Julie Barroso; Patricia Bixby; Merle H Mishel; Andrew J Muir; Lisa Strickland; Elizabeth Clipp Journal: Psychosomatics Date: 2009 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 2.386
Authors: Gabriella E Puleo; Tia N Borger; Devin Montgomery; Jessica N Rivera Rivera; Jessica L Burris Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2019-11-26 Impact factor: 3.894