title: Effect of gender on the social and psychological adjustment of cancer patients.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine gender differences in social and psychological adjustment among cancer patients. The social adjustment and psychological distress of 49 patients (34 women and 15 men) undergoing active medical care (chemotherapy and radiation) were assessed. Socio-demographic and medical parameters were also examined to account for differences in adjustment. Three questionnaires were used: A personal information questionnaire; a Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS-SR) (Derogatis & Lopez, 1983); and a psychological distress one (BSI) (Derogatis & Spencer, 1982). Significant differences were found between men and women patients in several dimensions of the social adjustment, psychological distress and medical variables. Possible explanations, recommendations for further research and clinical intervention are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Bar Ilan University, School of Social Work.
authors.forename: Neta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peleg-Oren
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sherer
authors.forename: Varda
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Soskolne
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D012737:Sex Factors; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States