The dissertation research is dedicated to the comprehensive theoretical and empirical study of psychological well-being in women with breast cancer (BC), which is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. The work examines the psychological aspects of the lives of oncology patients with BC, including emotional state, stress levels, depression, and anxiety, as well as the impact of these factors on the overall level of psychological well-being. Special attention is given to factors such as social support, adaptation to illness, the use of coping strategies, and the influence of financial status on treatment opportunities and quality of life for patients. The interplay between emotional, social, and physical aspects of well-being is explored, along with how these factors change at different stages of the treatment process.
The study determines that oncology patients with BC experience significant emotional and psychological pressure due to diagnosis and treatment. It was found that the treatment process, particularly adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc.), leads not only to physical side effects but also significantly impacts the psychological state of patients, especially anxiety and depression levels. Such symptoms are often accompanied by fear of recurrence, social isolation, and decreased self-esteem.
The theoretical part of the work examines two key paradigms of psychological well-being: hedonic and eudaimonic. The work analyzes modern integrated approaches to understanding psychological well-being that combine these two concepts and their impact on oncology patients with BC.
Based on theoretical conclusions, a model of psychological well-being for women with BC was created, taking into account the influence of three main groups of factors: adaptation to illness, emotional state, and social support. Particular attention is given to analyzing the impact of emotional states such as anxiety and depression, which significantly worsen the psychological state of patients, as well as the importance of social support, which plays a key role in the adaptation process to the illness.
As part of the empirical study, a comprehensive assessment of psychological well-being in oncology patients with BC was conducted at different stages of the treatment process. The sample consisted of 144 women undergoing treatment for BC at various stages. Several psychodiagnostic tools were used to assess well-being, including the "Quality of Life Questionnaire for Cancer Patients" (EORTC QLQ–30), which allows for the evaluation of physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being; the "General Psychological Well-Being Index" (PGWBI) to determine the overall level of well-being; the "Scale of Emotional States" (PANAS) to measure positive and negative emotions; the "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" (HADS) to assess emotional state; and the "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support" (MSPSS) to determine the level of support from the social environment.
The results of the study indicate that the level of psychological well-being in oncology patients with breast cancer significantly depends on socio-demographic characteristics, particularly financial status and the presence of mental disorders.
Furthermore, it was found that adaptation to illness, emotional state, and social support are key factors influencing the overall well-being index.
The scientific novelty and theoretical significance of the work lie in the comprehensive theoretical and empirical study of psychological well-being in women with breast cancer, covering key aspects of emotional, social, and mental states of patients. For the first time, an empirical model of psychological well-being for oncology patients was developed and tested, taking into account factors such as adaptation to illness, emotional state, and social support.
The study also established significant relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, financial status, and patients' psychological states, allowing for more accurate predictions of well-being levels based on these factors.
The practical significance of the work lies in implementing the developed empirical model of psychological well-being for oncology patients with breast cancer, which can be used in clinical practice to assess the psychological state of patients at different stages of treatment. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to create individualized psychotherapeutic programs aimed at improving emotional states, enhancing adaptive capacities, and ensuring an adequate level of social support.
Keywords: psychological well-being, oncology, psychosomatics, psychodiagnostics, anxiety, depressive disorder, personality, quality of life, frustration, psychocorrection, psychological support, adaptation, women's self-esteem, psychotherapy, patient.
