Showing papers by "Joan R. Bloom published in 1983"
TL;DR: Changes in pain measures were significantly correlated with changes in self-rated total mood disturbance on the Profile of Mood States and with its anxiety, depression, and fatigue subscales, and possible mechanisms for the effectiveness of these interventions are discussed.
Abstract: The pain and mood disturbance of 54 women with metastatic carcinoma of the breast were studied over the course of one year. A random sample was offered weekly group therapy during the year, with or without self-hypnosis training directed toward enhancing their competence at mastering pain and stress related to cancer. Both treatment groups demonstrated significantly less self-rated pain sensation (t = 2.5 p less than 0.02) and suffering (t = 2.17, p less than 0.03) than the control sample. Those who were offered the self-hypnosis training as well as group therapy fared best in controlling the pain sensation (F = 3.1, p less than 0.05). Pain frequency and duration were not affected. Changes in pain measures were significantly correlated with changes in self-rated total mood disturbance on the Profile of Mood States and with its anxiety, depression, and fatigue subscales. Possible mechanisms for the effectiveness of these interventions are discussed.
441 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is presented that the family is a crucial factor in patient adjustment, and that 'conspiracies of silence' in the family may be harmful, in women with metastatic carcinoma of the breast.
Abstract: The effects of family environment on the psychological adjustment of 54 women with metastatic carcinoma of the breast were studied over a one-year period. Family environment was assessed using the Family Environment Scale (FES) and a descriptive checklist, and adjustment was measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Patients described their families as supportive and relatively free of conflict, and their spouses or other family members agreed moderately with them. Patient mood disturbance during the year was made the dependent variable in a stepwise multiple regression analysis, with FES subscale scores at the beginning of the year and other control variables as predictors. Better adjustment was found to be predicted by more expressiveness and less conflict and moral-religious orientation in the family. These findings are presented as evidence that the family is a crucial factor in patient adjustment, and that 'conspiracies of silence' in the family may be harmful. A clinical illustration is pres...
123 citations