Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Dr. Philip Doyle

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals with head and neck cancer (HNCa) face myriad biopsychosocial challenges. Even after treatment completion, these challenges may continue to cause diminished quality of life (QoL). Resilience may serve to minimize the impact of HNCa and, thus, maximize QoL. The purpose of this study was to identify resilience in HNCa survivors and explore its potential relationship with QoL.

Methods: Thirty-one HNCa survivors completed three validated, self-report questionnaires pertaining to the collection of resilience and QoL data. Descriptive, correlational, and observational analyses were performed.

Results: Resilience was identified in the HNCa survivors and a positive correlation was found between resilience and QoL.

Conclusions: Data suggest that resilience may buffer the influence of HNCa on QoL. Screening for low levels of resilience may facilitate the identification of those who are vulnerable to the impact of HNCa. Interventions that foster resilience may serve to ameliorate the challenges of HNCa and improve QoL.

Included in

Oncology Commons

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