Journal Article

Sexual Self Schema as a Moderator of Sexual and Psychological Outcomes for Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

Carpenter, Kristen M., Andersen, Barbara L., Fowler, Jeffrey M., Maxwell, G. Larry

2009

Overview

Gynecologic cancer patients are at high risk for emotional distress and sexual dysfunction. The present study tested sexual self schema as an individual difference variable that might be useful in identifying those at risk for unfavorable outcomes. First, we tested schema as a predictor of sexual outcomes, including body change stress. Second, we examined schema as a contributor to broader quality of life outcomes, specifically as a moderator of the relationship between sexual satisfaction and psychological statue (depressive symptoms and quality of life). A cross-sectional design was used. Gynecologic cancer survivors ( N  = 175) 2–10 years post treatment were assessed during routine follow up. In regression analyses controlling for sociodemographic variables, patients’ physical symptoms/signs as evaluated by nurses, health status, and extent of partner sexual difficulties, sexual self schema accounted for significant variance in the prediction of current sexual behavior, responsiveness, and satisfaction. Moreover, schema moderated the relationship between sexual satisfaction and psychological outcomes, suggesting that a positive sexual self schema might “buffer” patients from depressive symptoms when their sexual satisfaction is low. Furthermore, the combination of a negative sexual self schema and low sexual satisfaction might heighten survivors’ risk for psychological distress, including depressive symptomatology. These data support the consideration of sexual self schema as a predictor of sexual morbidity among gynecologic cancer survivors.

• Publisher: Springer US,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adult / Aged / Aged, 80 and over / Behavioral Science and Psychology / Cancer / Cross-Sectional Studies / Depression - psychology / Emotional distress / Female / Follow-Up Studies / Genital Neoplasms, Female - psychology / Genital Neoplasms, Female - therapy / Gynecological cancer / Health status / High risk / Humans / Individual differences / Medical treatment / Mental depression / Mental health / Middle Aged / Morbidity / Nurses / Original Paper / Patients / Physical symptoms / Psychological distress / Psychology / Public Health / Quality of life / Quality of Life - psychology / Reproductive system / Responsiveness / Risk / Satisfaction / Self Concept / Sexual Behavior / Sexual Behavior - psychology / Sexual disorders / Sexual satisfaction / Social Sciences / Sociodemographics / Stress, Psychological / Survivor / Survivors - psychology / Symptoms / Treatment Outcome / Women / Young Adult