Abstract

Lung cancer affects many people in the United States, accounting for 14.5% of cancer cases in 2010. Additionally, it is responsible for more cancer-related deaths than any other cancer type. Those living with lung cancer also experience a higher prevalence of psychological distress and mood problems relative to most other cancer types. Despite the high physical and mental health burden borne by those living with lung cancer, psychosocial research on lung cancer generally lags far behind comparable studies in other cancer populations. Evidence from the few interventions developed specifically for lung cancer patients demonstrate an underutilization of those services, which is inferred from generally low response rates from eligible participants. Although a low participation rate may demonstrate the need to investigate the barriers of participating in interventions, little research on that topic is currently available. Also, it is not clear what factors predict refusal to participate in psychosocial interventions for the lung cancer population, despite the available data on demographic and medical differences between eligible those who did and those who did not participate. Overall, there is limited evidence available for preferred interventions, for favored methods of receiving interventions (e.g., Internet, face-to-face, telephone), and for perceived barriers to access and maintain engagement in available psychosocial interventions for lung cancer patients. A qualitative study that utilizes a grounded theory approach to the analysis of interview data from lung cancer patients can address the current gap in understanding of lung cancer patients' perspective on three specific areas: 1) the most important psychosocial needs to address and what factors contribute to higher importance, 2) interest in different psychosocial services and what factors contribute to low and high interest, and 3) what factors serve as barriers to engage in psychosocial interventions. Elucidating these three areas will increase researchers' understanding of lung cancer patients' perspectives via the development of a grounded theory, which investigators can utilize to better address the psychosocial and quality of life needs of this cancer population.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Owen, Jason E.

Second Advisor

Arechiga, Adam L.

Third Advisor

Boyd, Kendal C.

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

January 2012

Date (Title Page)

8-1-2012

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Lung neoplasms; Cancer - Psychological aspects; Cancer - Treatment; Psychotherapy - methods; Neoplasms - psychology

Subject - Local

Lung cancer; Grounded Theory; Psychosocial interventions

Type

Thesis

Page Count

88 p.

Digital Format

Application/PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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