PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (3) , 128-132
Abstract
The effectiveness of inhospital, individual counseling on the psychosocial adjustment of patients with newly diagnosed gynecologic malignancies was studied. Levels of psychologic distress, sexual functioning and return to employment were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 mo. after counseling. The counseled patients were compared with a similar control group that was assessed but not counseled. Levels of psychologic distress reported by cancer patients were similar to those reported in normal populations. At 3 mo. post-treatment, counseled cancer patients reported significantly less confusion and contradiction within areas of self-perception than did the noncounseled patients. Return to employment and sexual activities were both adversely affected by the diagnosis and treatment of genital cancer. Apparently counseling had a positive effect in enhancing return to normal vocational and sexual functions during the 1st yr after treatment.

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