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
Recommended Citation
Williams, Kirby L., "Controlling the Uncontrollable: Understanding the Relationships between Psychological Distress, Physical Impairment, and Acceptance among Women with Gynecological Cancer" (2018). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 3244.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3244
