| Series |
ECU School of Nursing thesis
ECU School of Nursing thesis. UNAUTHORIZED
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| Summary |
The purposes of this study were to evaluate the meaning of illness for breast cancer patients and their spouses, to determine if meaning of illness differs between patients and their spouses and to determine if demographic variables influence meaning of illness. Meaning of illness was defined as an individual's appraisal of breast cancer and their coping resources. The meaning of illness was described through the use of the Meaning of Illness Questionnaire <MIQ) developed by McAdams, Byrne and Browne (1989). The MIQ provides a numerical value through which subject's evaluations of their disease experience can be compared. The tool has 31 self-report items that may be rated on a Likert-type scale of values ranging from 0-6. A convenience sample of 25 couples was selected at a regional hematology/oncology center. Results of this study demonstrated that patients and spouses have a very positive overall view of their breast cancer experiences. There was found to be no statistically significant (p < .05) differences in meaning of illness for breast cancer patients and their spouses. Age was the only demographic variable found to have statistical impact on meaning of illness. Patients and spouses age sixty or greater were found to have lower measures of impact on relationships and daily activities than other age groups. Subjects ages forty through forty-nine were found to experience greater satisfaction with their behavior, personal outlook and stamina than other age groups. It is important for nurses to identify positive coping behaviors and sources of stress for both patients and spouses in order to promote adequate adjustment to breast cancer. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the School of Nursing. |
| General note | Advisor: Mary K. Kirkpatrick |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1993 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-36). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
