Question

Using the psychosocial oncology materials, the positive psychology materials, and the psychosocial intervention materials, describe and critically evaluate both sides of the mind-cancer survival debate and come to a conclusion given the state of the evidence. That is, what is the evidence that attitude, positive thinking, and psychotherapy can impact on cancer survival?

Answer 1

1 ans )
Psycho-Oncology is concerned with the psychological, social, behavioural, and
ethical aspects of cancer. This sub-speciality addresses the two major
psychological dimensions of cancer: the psychological responses of patients to
cancer at all stages of the disease (and that of their families and caretakers); and
the psychological, behavioural and social factors that may influence the disease
process.
The domain of psycho-oncology includes the formal study, understanding and
treatment of the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, quality of life and
functional aspects of cancer; as applied across the cancer trajectory from
prevention through to bereavement. It seeks to develop and integrate new
knowledge and techniques of the psychosocial and biomedical sciences as it
relates to cancer care Association of Psychosocial Oncology,

1) the role of positive factors, such as a “fighting spirit” in extending the life of persons with cancer;
(2) effects of interventions cultivating positive psychological states on immune functioning and cancer progression and mortality; and evidence concerning
(3) benefit finding and post-traumatic growth following serious illness such as cancer and other highly threatening experiences

we examine four areas of positive psychology critically relevant to readers of Annals—

(1) the role of positive factors, particularly a “fighting spirit” in slowing the progression of cancer and extending the life of persons diagnosed with cancer ;
(2) the effects of interventions cultivating positive psychological states on immune functioning and cancer progression and mortality.
(3) benefit finding in the face of health threats; and
(4) post-traumatic growth following serious illness and other highly threatening experiences.

Positive psychology articulates a role for hope, wisdom, courage, spirituality, responsibility, and perseverance in human adaptation in sharp contrast, proponents claim, to the negative biases of a conventional psychology that is too focused on distress and psychopathology to the exclusion of positive experiences . A positive psychology of cancer challenges the conventional emphasis on the trauma and long-term negative psychological consequences of a dread, devastating disease with the view that many, perhaps most persons diagnosed with cancer find benefits and positive meaning in the experience and even grow psychologically

A positive psychology perspective on cancer also is quite consonant with entrenched cultural beliefs and media portrayals of cancer as a life-threatening disease that can be defeated by character strength, persistent effort, and maintenance of a positive attitude, and it seemingly provides a scientific basis for these beliefs.

It seems clear that support groups can affect quality of life, but the available scientific evidence of support the idea that support groups or other forms of mental health therapy can help people with cancer live longer.