Promoting recovery of sexual functioning after radical prostatectomy with group-based stress management: The role of interpersonal sensitivity

Abstract

Objective-Treatment for localized carcinoma of the prostate (PCa) is frequently associated with decrements in sexual functioning and satisfaction. Given the highly interpersonal nature of these decrements, interpersonal problems (such as interpersonal sensitivity) may affect recovery of sexual functioning after PCa treatment by interfering with physician and partner communication and through distorted cognitions surrounding sexual dysfunction. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of interpersonal sensitivity on several treatment indicators, including response to a group based psychosocial intervention.Methods-Participants were 101 older men recovering from radical prostatectomy and were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a 10-wk group-based cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention. Measures included the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) and the Sexual Functioning subscale of the UCLA quality of life measure.Results-At baseline, interpersonal sensitivity was related to a belief linking sexual dysfunction to core male identity (r = .29, p < .05). Using hierarchical regression, we found that (a) the CBSM intervention was effective in promoting sexual recovery in all participants and that (b) this effect was moderated by interpersonal sensitivity, such that individuals with higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity made larger improvements in sexual functioning in response to CBSM.Conclusions-CBSM was effective for improving sexual function after radical prostatectomy. Individuals with higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity were more likely to perceive sexual dysfunction as a threat to masculine identity and made larger gains in the CBSM intervention. Results and relevance to the older male cancer patient are discussed from the perspective of interpersonal theory.

The psychosocial aspects of sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment

“…Molton et al 69 conducted a randomized clinical trial to improve sexual functioning with men treated with radiation for prostate cancer. Men were randomized to either a 10-session group behavioral intervention aimed at stress reduction related to prostate sequelae or to a control condition.…”

Counseling patients about sexual health when considering post-prostatectomy radiation treatment

“…Initial research on intervention in the psycho-sexual aspects of recovery from prostate cancer treatment suggests that being informed and supported assists with coping. [77][78][79][80] In a study by Titta et al, 81 counseling successfully supported adherence to ED treatment after prostate cancer treatment. But sexual intimacy is not purely dependent on erection.…”

Intervenções de enfermagem para pacientes com disfunção erétil após prostatectomia radical: revisão integrativa

“…Los 10 artículos analizados se publicaron en lengua inglesa y en periódicos extranjeros, siendo nueve de los Estados Unidos (22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30) y uno de Europa (31) . La mayoría de las investigaciones se realizó en los Estados Unidos (07) (25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31) , seguido de Taiwan (22) , España (23) e Italia (24) con una publicación cada uno.…”

“…La mayoría de las investigaciones se realizó en los Estados Unidos (07) (25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31) , seguido de Taiwan (22) , España (23) e Italia (24) con una publicación cada uno. En seis artículos los primeros autores eran enfermeros (22,23,26,27,29,30) en tres psicólogos (25,28,31) y en uno médico (24) , sin embargo en todos los trabajos las intervenciones identificadas fueron desarrolladas por enfermeros. El periodo de publicación de los artículos varió entre los años 2001 y 2012.…”