title: Psychosocial impact of laryngectomy mediated by perceived stigma and illness intrusiveness.
abstract: In addition to prolonging life, successful treatment by laryngectomy also results in functional disability (loss of speech) and physical disfigurement (stoma). It was hypothesized that these after-effects contribute to perceived stigma which, in turn, compromises quality of life. The hypothesis that the psychosocial impact of perceived stigma operates through illness intrusiveness--illness-induced disruptions that interfere with continued involvements in valued activities and interests--was tested. Data were collected from 51 laryngectomy recipients via standardized interviews. As hypothesized, results indicated that: 1. both perceived stigma and illness intrusiveness are related to psychosocial well-being and emotional distress; 2. illness intrusiveness mediates the relation between perceived stigma and psychosocial outcomes; 3. the psychosocial impact of illness intrusiveness is most devastating in the context of highly stigmatized self-perception; and 4. unique profiles of illness intrusiveness across individual life domains may be associated with specific psychosocial outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that illness intrusiveness is a common underlying determinant of the psychosocial impact of chronic illness.
authors: Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario.
authors: G M
authors: GM
authors: Devins
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Stam
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Koopmans
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013071:Speech, Alaryngeal / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome