Date of Award

1-1-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

First Supervisor

Professor Linda Kristjanson

Second Supervisor

Dr Colleen Fisher

Abstract

This thesis investigated the experiences of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, as they reconstructed their lifeworlds during the first post-diagnostic year. With the exception of health related quality of life, a review of the psychosocial research literature revealed few studies that, explored the psychosocial experience of men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer. Furthermore, the review uncovered no studies that explored the process of Iifeworld reconstruction, and only three studies that considered the role of masculinity in the responses of men to the prostate cancer experience. Such a limited understanding, about the nature and process of lifeworld reconstruction, potentially compromises the provision of gender appropriate care by health care professionals. Therefore, providing an improved understanding of men's evolving responses to localised prostate cancer is important for the development of gender appropriate care that is lifeworld compatible. The purpose of this study was to contribute to an improved understanding of men's emotional, relational, and existential engagements with the prostate cancer experience, by providing an in-depth descriptive account of the process of lifeworld reconstruction.

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