title: Optimism and prostate cancer-specific expectations predict better quality of life after robotic prostatectomy.
abstract: We examined the relations among generalized positive expectations (optimism), prostate-cancer specific expectations, and prostate cancer-related quality of life in a prospective sample of 83 men who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate cancer. Optimism was significantly associated with higher prostate cancer-specific expectations, β = .36, p < .001. In addition, optimism and prostate cancer-specific expectations were independent prospective predictors of better scores on the following prostate cancer-related quality of life scales: Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence; Masculine Self-Esteem (specific expectations only), Health Worry, Cancer Control, and Informed Decision Making (βs > .21, ps < .05). When considered simultaneously, both optimism and specific expectations contributed uniquely to better Health Worry and Cancer Control scores, optimism was a unique predictor of better Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence scores, and specific expectations uniquely predicted higher scores on Informed Decision Making. Although optimism and prostate-cancer specific expectations are related, they contribute uniquely to several prostate cancer-related quality of life outcomes following RALP and may be important targets for quality of life research with this population.
authors: Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and Semel Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA. athornton@mednet.ucla.edu
authors: Andrea A
authors: AA
authors: Thornton
authors: Martin A
authors: MA
authors: Perez
authors: Sindy
authors: S
authors: Oh
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Crocitto
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002140:California; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012371:Robotics; D019529:Sexuality; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted