Abstract
In a prospective study we have investigated the question of predisposing and reactive personality traits in breast cancer patients. The design of the study incorporated a prebioptic collection of data by means of an interview and psychological test questionnaires (STAI, SVF, FPI, CIP-DS), as well as follow-up questioning after a one year interval. In comparison with operated women with benign biopsy findings no unequivocal indications of a personality type predisposed to cancer were found. Both patient groups showed a high preoperative potential for anxiety. The tendency to suppress emotions, trivialise and to display self-pity was particularly noticeable in patients with advanced tumours at the time of diagnosis. Even after the disease had run for one year, it was not possible to demonstrate a distinct characterisation of the breast cancer patients by psychological testing methods. An increased concern over health, an inclination towards resignation and social isolation and a diminished contentment with life marked the changes that could be measured by psychological tests in some of the women affected.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
