Date of Graduation

Spring 2018

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Ann Rost

Abstract

As women age, the risk for being diagnosed with any gynecological cancer increases. Despite outnumbering the number of breast cancer diagnoses in a given year, there are significantly fewer studies addressing gynecological cancers. Treatment for gynecological cancers can be incredibly debilitating, both physically and psychologically. Although previous studies have evaluated and shown a relationship between physical impairment and perceived control on psychological distress in cancer patients during treatment, none have evaluated the influence of willingness and acceptance. The present study sought to expand this theory by assessing 25 gynecological cancer participants via self-report measures. Utilizing structural equation modelling, a moderated mediation was conducted to evaluate the relationship between physical impairment and perceived control on psychological distress, with willingness and acceptance serving as the moderator for the mediation. Results, while not significant, found a favorable trend for the model and suggest that future research and expanded data collection would further indicate a strong association between the factors among women with gynecological cancers.

Keywords

ovarian cancer, gynecological cancer, uterine cancer, acceptance and commitment therapy, acceptance and willingness, perceived control, physical impairment

Subject Categories

Health Psychology | Psychiatry and Psychology | Psychology

Copyright

© Kirby L. Williams

Open Access

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