Abstract
This study analyzed the defensive functioning and profile of nine breast cancer women and identifies the differences from other cancer patients (N0) in the way they deal with internal conflicts and stressful situations related to the illness. Patients were interviewed and evaluated using the Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale Q-sort. Mean differences analysis showed that breast cancer patients use more reaction formation, omnipotence, and rationalization and less idealization of others-image and autistic fantasy, compared with other-site cancer patients. From the qualitative analysis of the defensive profile, displacement and repression appeared among the most representative defense mechanisms of breast cancer patients.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 2055102919854667 |
Journal | Health Psychology Open |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 10 Jun 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Jun 2019 |
Keywords
- adaptiveness
- breast cancer
- cancer-related stress
- defense mechanisms
- defensive profile
- defense mechanism rating scales
- Q-sort
- psycho-oncology