Current Research:
Cancer as a Chronic Illness
Mary J. Naus, Ph.D., Marilyn Ishler, M.A., Charlotte Parrott, M.A., & Stephanie Kovacs
Millions of Americans are living longer with cancer, suggesting that the time is right to conceptualize cancer as a chronic illness rather than hold on to the belief that a cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. Our research aims at facilitating this view with the development of a theoretical model of the cancer adjustment process and the impact of this process on quality of life outcomes within a bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework. In this model the process of change utilizes goal adjustment across the stages of cancer survivorship and discusses these changes within a developmental framework of autobiographical memory and the sense of self. While reviewing and critiquing the research literatures of other chronic illness, such as heart disease, diabetes, HIV, etc., our model specifically builds from the disability literature with a focus on continued adaptation over time. Discussion also includes clinical and research applications of the model.
A Developmental Perspective to Health Psychology
Mary J. Naus, Ph.D., Teona Amble, Irene Teo, M.A., Lance Chamberlain, and Lisa Hughes
While many health psychologists may study the impact of illness or disabilities on children and adolescents or the elderly, little work in health psychology embodies a develpmental life-span perspective. In this view change in adjustment for patients and family members is ongoing and is considered across the life-span, and in the multifaceted contexts of physical, emotinal and social environments.
Project GOALS (Goal Oriented Approach to Life Stresses)
IMPORTANCE
- Project G.O.A.L.S is a goals-based, cognitive-behavioral group intervention designed to improve the quality of life in survivors of life-threatening chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease
- Based upon Theory of Planned Behavior (eg Azjen. 1985) and goal theory
Goals and Findings:
- each participant selects a personal goal to work toward during the intervention
- outcome measures include goal attainment and improved quality of life
- The role of attitude toward their goal, subjective norms, and perceptions of control are evaluated in the context of group processes
Life Narrative Interviews
Mary J. Naus
Importance:
- Middle-aged and elderly survivors of chronic illnesses are asked to orally provide their life story
- Events, goals, hopes and emotions are described
Goals and Finding:
- Quality of Life is assessed
- Relationship of life story to goals, illness perceptions, and life satisfaction is evaluated.
