Adjustment and Mastectomy: the experiences of husbands
Titel:
Adjustment and Mastectomy: the experiences of husbands
Auteur:
Sturesteps, Valerie Darroch, Russell K.
Verschenen in:
Australian social work
Paginering:
Jaargang 39 (1986) nr. 2 pagina's 21-26
Jaar:
1986-06
Inhoud:
Little research has been done on the experiences of men when their wives have a mastectomy. This study sought to assess the needs of such men in Australia in the hope that appropriate help and support could be devised. A questionnaire was compiled consisting of demographic variables, an open communication scale, marital adjustment test, locus of control scale, EPI, and a Life Events scale. There were also questions about the mastectomy and its aftermath, including anxiety, work problems, social support and sexual behaviour. Seventy-four questionnaires were sent out and 41 usable forms were returned. There was a strong need for information, both about factual aspects of breast cancer and possible psychological reactions. Talking with mastectomees and their husbands was seen as marginally more helpful than talking with members of the medical profession and family and friends were seen as marginally less helpful than either of these two groups. There were some problems with children but no help had been sought for this specifically. Most practical help came from the family with mothers-in-law being the most often mentioned source of help. Sexual behaviour was severely affected during the first year but reportedly improved thereafter, however it did not return to the premastectomy level. Recommendations for ways of helping husbands of new mastectomees are made.
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