Abstract
We examined the relations among generalized positive expectations (optimism), prostate-cancer specific expectations, and prostate
cancer-related quality of life in a prospective sample of 83 men who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
(RALP) for prostate cancer. Optimism was significantly associated with higher prostate cancer-specific expectations, β = .36, p < .001. In addition, optimism and prostate cancer-specific expectations were independent prospective predictors of better
scores on the following prostate cancer-related quality of life scales: Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence; Masculine Self-Esteem
(specific expectations only), Health Worry, Cancer Control, and Informed Decision Making (βs > .21, ps < .05). When considered simultaneously, both optimism and specific expectations contributed uniquely to better Health Worry
and Cancer Control scores, optimism was a unique predictor of better Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence scores, and specific
expectations uniquely predicted higher scores on Informed Decision Making. Although optimism and prostate-cancer specific
expectations are related, they contribute uniquely to several prostate cancer-related quality of life outcomes following RALP
and may be important targets for quality of life research with this population.
cancer-related quality of life in a prospective sample of 83 men who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
(RALP) for prostate cancer. Optimism was significantly associated with higher prostate cancer-specific expectations, β = .36, p < .001. In addition, optimism and prostate cancer-specific expectations were independent prospective predictors of better
scores on the following prostate cancer-related quality of life scales: Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence; Masculine Self-Esteem
(specific expectations only), Health Worry, Cancer Control, and Informed Decision Making (βs > .21, ps < .05). When considered simultaneously, both optimism and specific expectations contributed uniquely to better Health Worry
and Cancer Control scores, optimism was a unique predictor of better Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence scores, and specific
expectations uniquely predicted higher scores on Informed Decision Making. Although optimism and prostate-cancer specific
expectations are related, they contribute uniquely to several prostate cancer-related quality of life outcomes following RALP
and may be important targets for quality of life research with this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10880-011-9270-3
- Authors
- Andrea A. Thornton, Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital and Semel Institute, UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Room 27-371, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA
- Martin A. Perez, Independent Practice, Perez and Associates, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Sindy Oh, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Laura Crocitto, Division of Urology and Urologic Oncology, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Online ISSN 1573-3572
- Print ISSN 1068-9583