A longitudinal analysis of psychological adaptation among survivors of cancer.
This longitudinal study examined the psychological adaptation of newly diagnosed cancer patients. Findings showed a decline in patient's mental health status over time. Initial psychological status and other psychosocial factors, and not illness-related factors, were predictive of subsequent adaptation. Two psychologically vulnerable patient groups were identified: those who remained distressed over time and those whose mental health status declined over time.
Ell
K
K
University of Southern California, School of Social Work, Los Angeles.
Nishimoto
R
R
Morvay
T
T
Mantell
J
J
Hamovitch
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support