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The
proposed study will examine a psychobehavioral model of the manifestation,
determinants, and health outcomes of negative and positive responses to
lung cancer (i.e., symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD, and
posttraumatic growth, PTG). The specific aims of the project are
(1) to characterize the co-occurrence of PTSD and PTG following a lung
cancer diagnosis by examining prevalence rates and the interrelatedness
of PTSD and PTG symptoms longitudinally within one month of diagnosis and
then at six and twelve months later; (2) to identify chronic or stable
burdens and resources of the patients, such as demographics, personality,
and trauma and illness history, that modify the experience of lung cancer
in determining PTSD and PTG; (3) to examine the components of the psychological
pathways that are potential determinants of PTSD and PTG (i.e., perceived
stress, cancer-related intrusions, and social support); and (4) to validate
the negative and positive sequelae of PTSD and PTG by using symptoms of
PTSD and PTG to predict changes in behavioral pathways and in mental and
physical health outcomes (i.e., psychological well-being, disease outcomes).
Participants will be at least 18 years of age and have diagnoses of primary
lung cancer from all stages and types. In addition to information
on symptoms of PTSD and PTG, measures of objective and subjective cancer
experiences, chronic/stable burdens and resources, perceived stress, cancer-related
intrusions, social support, health behaviors, and physical and mental health
outcomes will be collected. At each half hour session, a packet of
questionnaires will be described which the patients will take home, complete,
and return in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Information regarding
diagnosis, treatment, adherence, and prognosis will be collected from the
medical charts. In sum, this research proposal examines the understudied
psychological and behavioral pathways that can either deter or promote
adjustment to lung cancer and then examines the resultant negative and
positive mental and physical health outcomes.
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