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Physical sequelae and depressive symptoms in gynecologic cancer survivors: the Role of meaning in life

Simonelli, Laura E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1177705132

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Psychology.
Cancer survivorship research has largely ignored the growing population of gynecologic cancer survivors. The cancer experience may have both negative and positive effects on meaning in life, thus two models are examined. A mediator model is hypothesized where greater problems with the physical sequelae of cancer are associated with lower levels of meaning and, in turn, higher levels of depressive symptoms. Alternatively, meaning in life may moderate the relationship between physical sequelae and depressive symptoms. That is, the physical sequelae of cancer would be associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, but this relationship would be buffered (lessened) by meaning. Two-hundred and sixty gynecologic cancer patients were studied with a cross-sectional design. Participants completed measures of physical sequelae (physical functioning, quality of life, and symptoms, including fatigue and vaginal changes), depressive symptoms, and the Meaning in Life Scale. Using structural equation modeling, results support a partial mediation effect, as the indirect effect – from Physical Sequelae to Depressive Symptoms through Meaning in Life – was significant (p < .001). Results did not support the moderation hypothesis; a difference test indicated that there was no significant difference between those with high versus low levels of meaning in life (p = .07). The implications of these findings for future research, clinical screening, and interventions with gynecologic cancer survivors are discussed.
Barbara Andersen (Advisor)
109 p.
Meaning in Life; Depression; Gynecologic Cancer; Survivorship; Physical Symptoms; Quality of Life

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Simonelli, L. E. (2007). Physical sequelae and depressive symptoms in gynecologic cancer survivors: the Role of meaning in life [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1177705132

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Simonelli, Laura. Physical sequelae and depressive symptoms in gynecologic cancer survivors: the Role of meaning in life. 2007. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1177705132.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Simonelli, Laura. "Physical sequelae and depressive symptoms in gynecologic cancer survivors: the Role of meaning in life." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1177705132

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1177705132
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© 2006, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.