Underfifty Women and Breast Cancer: Narrative Markers of Meaning-Making in Traumatic Experience

Abstract

A diagnosis of breast cancer is considered a potential traumatic event associated with physical and psychological effects. In literature, an exploration of breast cancer experience in young women is lacking, able to shed light on the narrative processes of meaning-making of the experience in specific phases of treatment, as may be the initial impact with the onset of the cancer. Meaning-making processes are determinant aspects when dealing with traumatic events. The research took place at National Cancer Institute Pascale of Naples. We collected 50 ad hoc narrative interviews to explore the different domains of the experience with under-fifty women at the first phase of the hospitalization. The Narrative Interviews were analyzed through a qualitative methodology constructed ad hoc . Starting from the functions of meaning-making that the narrative mediate we have highlight the different modes to articulate the narrative functions: The Organization of Temporality: chronicled (38%), actualized (26%), suspended (18%), interrupted (16%), and confused (2%). The Search for Meaning: internalized (42%); generalized (24%); externalized (18%); suspended (16%). The Emotional Regulation: disconnected (44%), splitted (28%), pervasive (26%), and connected (2%). The Organization of self-other Relationship: supportive (46%), avoidant (22%), overturned (16%), and sacrificial (16%). The Finding Benefit: revaluating (38%), flattened (34%), and postponed (28%). The Orientation to Action: combative (38%), blocked (36%), and suspended (26%). Findings capture the impact with the onset of the cancer, identifying both risk and resource aspects. The study allows to identify a specific use of narrative device by under-fifty women who impacted with the experience of breast cancer. The ways in which meaning-making functions are articulated highlight the specificity of the first phase of the treatment of the cancer. From a clinical psychology point of view, our findings can be used as clinical narrative markers to grasp, in a diachronic way, the process of meaning-making, integration, and coping during the first phase of breast cancer experience in young women. We consider it valuable to increase longitudinal studies with young women to highlight trajectories of meaning-making during the different phases of the treatment to think about personalized intervention practices diachronically to the experience.

Longitudinal effect of emotional processing on psychological symptoms in women under 50 with breast cancer

“…From a clinical point of view, the use of diachronic narrative devices that can promote the expression, sharing and containment of emotions (Boursier and Manna, 2018; Dicé et al, 2019; Margherita et al, 2017; Tessitore and Margherita, 2017), especially the negative ones, starting from the diagnosis (T1), may help maintain psychological adjustment in the face of the disease during the different phases of treatment (Martino et al, 2019). Furthermore, actively processing and expressing emotions enhance the adjustment and health status of patients with breast cancer (Weihs et al, 2008), and poor EP predicts more rapid disease progression (Reynolds et al, 2000).…”

Enhancing Self-Esteem and Body Image of Breast Cancer Women through Interventions: A Systematic Review

“…Due to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, BC has a survival rate of 90% in 5 years, and about 80% in 10 years, although survivors have faced multiple mental and physical health challenges [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, health professionals are concerned about the quality of life of female survivors, including physical, emotional, psychological, and social aspects related to trauma and adaptation to BC [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Cancer patient perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic: A thematic analysis of cancer blog posts

“…10 The content of patient blogs has previously been evaluated in the context of women with breast cancer, relatives of cancer patients, and younger adults with cancer. [11][12][13][14] Blogs allow cancer patients or members of their support system to share relevant information and experiences, and act as a platform for emotional support. Insights obtained from the analysis of patient blogs can inform healthcare professionals about patient experiences and concerns.…”