Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-16-2021

Abstract

Many prostate cancer (PCa) survivors experience on-going distress that affects their quality of life (QOL). Psychosocial interventions designed to address such distress frequently include mindfulness components. To better characterize the relation between mindfulness and distress, an ethnically diverse sample (n = 120) of PCa survivors in New Mexico and New Jersey endorsing at least minimal distress completed a one-time survey. Greater mindfulness was related to less psychological distress (r = -.40) and better mental health-related QOL (r = .35). However, mindfulness explained little additional variance after controlling for relevant demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables. Other variables (e.g., social isolation and PCa worry) may be more likely mediators of QOL improvements in PCa survivor psychosocial interventions. Notably, a majority of an ethnically diverse sample of men with PCa were interested in a variety of intervention types, including remote participation, suggesting the suitability of novel adaptations of interventions for this growing population.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Steven P. Verney, PhD

Second Committee Member

Kevin E. Vowles, PhD

Third Committee Member

Bruce W. Smith, PhD

Fourth Committee Member

Cindy K. Blair, PhD

Fifth Committee Member

Anita Y. Kinney, PhD

Language

English

Keywords

New Mexico, New Jersey, Hispanic, MAAS, Tai Chi, QOL

Document Type

Dissertation

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS