[Age differences in psychosocial resources and psychological well-being of cancer patients at the start of chemotherapy].
It has been suggested that older patients would have fewer resources than younger patients. We assessed psychosocial resources in 361 recently diagnosed cancer patients. Older patients had a stronger internal health-related locus of control but also less hope than younger patients. No age differences were found for self-esteem and perceived social support. In addition, older patients reported lower levels of negative and positive affect. Curative-intended therapy and social support were associated with a more positive affect only in younger patients, whereas hope was only related to older patients' psychological well-being. It is concluded that older cancer patients have similar levels of psychosocial resources compared to younger patients, but that lack of hope is a vulnerability factor for older patients in particular.
Pinquart
M
M
Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungspsychologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Am Steiger 3, Haus 1, 07743, Jena, Germany. Martin.Pinquart@uni-jena.de
Fröhlich
C
C
Silbereisen
R K
RK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents