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.
Recommended Citation
MacDonald, Chelsea A., "Minimizing the Impact of Disease While Maximizing Quality of Life: An Exploration of Resilience in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4790.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4790