http://jmh.sagepub.com/content/1/4/250.abstract
Understanding How Masculine Gender Scripts May Contribute to Men's Adjustment Following Treatment for Prostate Cancer
- Shaun Michael Burns
- Harvard Medical School, Boston College Boston, MA, burnssj@bc.edu
- James R. Mahalik, PhD
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent
solid tumor malignancy and second-leading cause of death from cancer for
American men.
As a consequence of treatment-related side effects,
men living with prostate cancer experience various obstacles to
positive
mental health. Unfortunately, relatively little is
known about factors that promote or impede men's adjustment to these
obstacles.
In this article, the authors identify three
masculine gender scripts that may contribute to men's adjustment
following treatment
for prostate cancer. To organize the discussion,
the authors review related literature and, through case examples,
illustrate
how masculine gender scripts may influence men's
adjustment. Directions for gender-sensitive interventions and future
clinical
research are provided
