Dispositional optimism as a predictor of men's decision-related distress after localized prostate cancer

Suzanne K. Steginga, Stefano Occhipinti

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

37 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study investigated prospectively the relationship between optimism, threat appraisal, seeking support and information, cognitive avoidance, physical treatment side effects, and decision-related distress in 111 men with localized prostate cancer. Men were assessed at diagnosis and 2 and 12 months after treatment. Baseline decision-related distress predicted distress 2 and 12 months after treatment. Optimism was a significant prospective and concurrent predictor of decision-related distress, with the effect mediated by proximal cancer threat appraisal. Seeking support and information and cognitive avoidance were not associated with decision-related distress at any time point. For physical treatment side effects, concurrent urinary symptoms were predictive of decision-related distress 2 months after treatment. Results suggest that decision-related distress is generated by similar processes to that of the psychological distress that follows a cancer diagnosis. Screening for men with high decision-related distress for referral to in-depth decision support is suggested. Outcome expectations may present as a therapy target to increase the effectiveness of decisional support that is utility based.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)135-143
Number of pages9
JournalHealth Psychology
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2006

Keywords

  • Decision-related distress
  • Optimism
  • Threat appraisal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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