Abstract
Agency, communion, unmitigated agency (UA), and unmitigated communion (UC) are related to psychosocial health outcomes in nonclinical and medical populations. This study examined the relationship between these personality traits and emotional and interpersonal well-being, as up to 50% of women experience difficulties in psychosocial adjustment after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Seventy-four women newly diagnosed with breast cancer completed baseline assessment measures within 2 weeks prior to their first chemotherapy treatment or at the beginning of their hormonal therapy. Findings indicate that (1) agency and UA are important correlates of emotional and interpersonal adjustment and should be considered when attempting to identify women at high risk for psychosocial distress, and (2) UC deserves increased attention in behavioral medicine research, given its strong relationship with emotional distress in a breast cancer population. Thus, evidence continues to accumulate regarding the important relationship of these personality traits to psychosocial outcomes in medical populations.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 263-271 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2001 |
Funding
We appreciate the funding for this study that was provided by the Jacobson Foundation to Dr Knight. We also extend our gratitude to the women who participated in this study.
Keywords
- Agency and communion
- Breast cancer
- Extended personal attributes questionnaire
- Personality
- Psychosocial adjustment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology
