The Network That Unites a Qualitative Study on Clinical Psychological Intervention for Women with a History of Breast Cancer and Chronic Pain

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative research is to deepen the knowledge in the field of psycho-oncology and the consequences of chronic and persistent pain by listening to patients’ experiences, their emotions and difficulties in facing this hard condition, and assessing their perception of the role of the psychologist in pain management. In this qualitative study, a semistructured interview was used, designed from three research questions: chronic pain and quality of life; chronic pain and psychological well-being; and the role and perception of the psychologist in pain management. The sample consists of 29 women who suffered or have recovered from breast carcinoma, and who currently report having chronic pain due either to the presence of the cancer or as a result of surgery or treatment. Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis: quality of life and psychological well-being, relational well-being, and perception and role of the psychologist. Two subthemes have been identified for each theme: common features of chronic pain and consequences and resilience for the first theme; not feeling understood and willingness to protect loved ones for the second theme; and improvements perceived by users and reasons for not making use of the service for the last theme. In conclusion, the results obtained from the literature and those from the analysis of the interviews are discussed and compared, and reflections are made on possible future implications.

Prolonged Grief Disorder and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression among Bereaved Family Caregivers in the Context of Palliative Home Care

“…Although major depressive disorder represents the most common comorbidity [5], it has been found that the comorbidity of anxiety is also usual [26]. Further research is still necessary in the context of palliative care, which implies that loss of a loved one occurs after a chronic condition, where the family members face a stressful situation [27]. Also of particular interest is the role of anxiety and depression in discriminating individuals with PGD with adequate accuracy, in terms of sensitivity and specificity.…”

South Korean Early Cancer Patients’ Perceptions of Difficulties in Fighting Their Disease: A Q Methodological Approach

“…They also experience loss of hair and nails due to complications and side effects associated with cancer treatments [9,10]. Furthermore, they may have problems doing household chores or working at their workplaces due to physical pain [11]. Early breast cancer patients experience various stressors as their overall quality of life deteriorates [12,13].…”

“…Women with breast cancer also have lower sexual quality of life due to negative body image, physical inactivity, depression, sleep problems, chest symptoms, and chronic fatigue [16]. Therefore, their quality of life should include consideration of their psychological, physical, and living characteristics [11].…”