Problematic Integration Theory: Implications of Supportive Communication for Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

In this analysis, the authors apply Problematic Integration (PI) Theory to the way breast cancer patients engage in and receive support. The theory focuses on the relationship between expectations and desires, and enlightens cognitive and communicative responses to situations that involve tensions between their perceived likelihoods of occurrence and their perceived values. The relationship between PI Theory and its significance in treating and providing support for patients suffering from terminal illnesses is one of great interest to health care providers and those charged with creating supportive messages and support groups for those patients.

Survived but feeling vulnerable and insecure: a qualitative study of the mental preparation for RTW after breast cancer treatment

“…This study was able to demonstrate the negative effects of employees’ perceived uncertainty regarding ‘active coping’ with the illness and RTW having a back injury [31]. In their qualitative research of breast cancer patients, Repass and Matusitz [32] found uncertainty to be a central concept of the recovery phase. The women feared recurrence and being socially stigmatized.…”

“…The women feared recurrence and being socially stigmatized. According to the authors, empowerment is needed by rebuilding healthy lifestyles through physical activity, to regain confidence through the realisation of the return to normality [32]. Women who have breast cancer seem to make a kind of transition from patient to survivor [33,34].…”

“…The current discourse (in particular in activating RTW programmes) emphasises self-management, empowerment (connected to expectations and achieving goals), self-responsibility et cetera e.g. [9,32,34,40,41], but as a result might neglect other important experiences that point to issues of confusion, uncertainty and vulnerability. Using life narratives Van Hal et al [41] demonstrated that work disability “changed [the life] to such an extent that life cannot be lived as it had been before” ([41], p. 83).…”

Life situations of Swedish women after mastectomy due to breast cancer: A qualitative study

“…Continuity, availability, information and respect have been found to be essential aspects of professional support (Drageset et al, 2016). It is important to create supportive messages and support groups for cancer patients (Repass and Matusitz, 2010). Healthcare professionals should be sensitive.…”