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Publication Date

2008-01-01

Availability

UM campus only

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology (Arts and Sciences)

Date of Defense

2008-05-06

First Committee Member

Frank Penedo - Committee Chair

Second Committee Member

Mike Antoni - Committee Member

Third Committee Member

Jason Dahn - Mentor

Abstract

This study examined measures of disease specific quality of life (DSQOL), coping, and benefit finding for differences between ethnic groups in a diverse sample of men treated for localized prostate cancer. The relationship between DSQOL and benefit finding was also evaluated, along with the relationship between coping and benefit finding. Ethnicity was evaluated as a possible moderator of the relationship between DSQOL and benefit finding, and coping was examined as a possible mediator. Results demonstrated that while minority men did show decrements in urinary function, sexual function scores were similar between groups. Furthermore, minority men reported higher levels of benefit finding as well as more frequent use of active and passive coping strategies. DSQOL was not associated with benefit finding, and the relationship was not moderated by ethnicity or mediated by coping. However, benefit finding was associated with ethnic minority status, religious group identification and less yearly income. Both active and passive coping composites were also related to benefit finding. These findings contribute to current literature on factors related to benefit finding in prostate cancer survivors. Limitations of the current study, as well as future directions are explored in the discussion.

Keywords

Psychology; Behavioral Medicine; Health Psychology; Diversity; Ethnicity; Post Traumatic Growth

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