Volume 24, Issue 3 (12-2025)
TB 2025, 24(3): 99-118 |
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Barjasteh L, Fallah M H, Sedrpoushan N, Asi Moznab A. Psychological Experiences of Women with Cancer Regarding Factors Affecting the Disease: A Qualitative Study. TB 2025; 24 (3) :99-118
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3749-en.html
URL: http://tbj.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-3749-en.html
Islamic Azad University, Yazd , n.sedrpoushan@iau.ac.ir
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Psychological Experiences of Women with Cancer Regarding Factors Affecting the Disease: A Qualitative Study
Leila Barjasteh (Ph.Ds.)1, Mohammad Hossein Fallah (Ph.D.)2, Najmeh Sedrpoushan (Ph.D.)3,Abolghasem Asi Moznab (Ph.D.)4
1.Ph.D. Student in Counseling, Faculty of Education, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
2.Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Education, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
3.Corresponding Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Education, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran Email: n.sedrpoushan@iau.ac.ir Tel: 09133526993
4.Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: In various human societies, cancer, as one of the most irritating, exhausting, and deadly diseases, has always had numerous negative effects on the lives of patients and their loved ones. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the psychological experiences of women with cancer as factors affecting the disease
Methods: The present study employs a qualitative approach and is applied in nature. Data collection was conducted through interviews with participants. The study sample consisted of 24 women diagnosed with cancer, aged 30 to 60, residing in Kerman, Iran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. After collection, the data were recorded, documented, and transcribed. Subsequently, to identify, extract, organize, and interpret the latent themes, a coding process within thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA-2022 software.
Results: The findings showed that 5 main clusters and 12 sub-clusters were identified, including: health care factors (physical and mental health management; health behaviors; importance of education and awareness), use of coping mechanisms (Islamic coping style; acceptance; problem solving), social support networks (social network of family, friends, and those around them; support network of medical staff and hospital personnel), personality and attitude (personality traits of optimism and self-efficacy; positive attitude), and mental health (mental stress; mental disorders and anxiety and depression).
Conclusion: The results showed that the factors influencing disease in patients with cancer are a complex issue that, in addition to the most important causes of cancer, also depends on numerous other factors, including health care factors, coping mechanisms, support and social networks, personality, attitude, and mental health, which can affect the condition of cancer patients in a precipitating or intervening manner and be effective in preventing its progression or improving it.
Keywords: Psychological Experiences,Women,Cancer
Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
1-Ghasemi M, Abbaszadeh M, Golabi F & et al. Family social capital: A missing link in understanding the lived experiences of women suffering from cancer. J Soc Dev Welf Plann. 2023;15(54):287-316.[Persian]
2-Ahsanipour H. Cancer Tsunami in Iran: From Reality to Warning-The Cause of the Upward Trend in Cancr. Health Section of Mehr News Agency 2024; Available from: Http://www.mehrnews.com/x3486s. Accessed February 5,2024.
3-Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I & et al. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(6):394-424.
4-McKeague B, Maguire R. “The effects of cancer on a family are way beyond the person who's had it”: The experience and effect of a familial cancer diagnosis on the health behaviours of family members. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021;51:101905.
5-Bakhshalizadeh Irani F, Shahidi S, Hazini A. Psychological Experiences of Terminal Cancer Patients with an Emphasis on Their Concerns and Needs: A Phenomenological Study. Journal of Research in Psychological Health. 2020; 14(2): 20-33.[Persian]
6-Kubler-Ross E. On Death and Dying. Trans: Bahrami AA. Tehran: Roshd Publications; 2021. 4th ed. p. 272. 11-36.
7-Dorri N, Pourhosein R. The association between stress and cancer: a systematic review of research literature. Rooyesh. 2020;8(12):1-10.[Persian]
8-Imanzadeh A, sharifi golzardi F. Lived Experiences of Cancer Patients from Death Anxiety Based on Jaspers Borderline Situations. IJPN 2019; 6 (6) :35-47.[Persian]
9-Potthoff S, Gather J, Hempeler Ch & et al. Voluntary in quotation marks”: a conceptual model of psychological pressure in mental healthcare based on a grounded theory analysis of interviews with service users. BMC Psychiatry. 2022; 22(186): 1-13.
10-Mousavi Chalak A, Riahi A, Zare A. Scientific production of Iranian researchers in the field of cancer and compare with regional and world countries (2006- 2015). The Quarterly journal of School of Medicine. 2018; 41(4): 282-93.[Persian]
11-Shashi K. Agarwal MD. Lifestyles and Their Impact on Cancer. East African Scholars Journal of Medical Sciences. 2021; 4(11): 270-280.
12-Ernst H. Environmental and lifestyle factors in carcinogenesis: Risk and prevention. J Med Oncol Ther. 2025;10(2): 258.
13-Olson R E. Towards a sociology of cancer caregiving: time to feel. Trans: Ebrahimi Loyeh A, Mirzaie Rajeoni S, Abedian Shahraki N. No.1. Tehran: Loyeh Publications; 2018. P. 45-48.[Persian]
14-Pourhosein R, Farsham A. An investigating the Compatibility of Breast cancer from a Psychological and Social Perspective: a systematic review of literature. Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi. 2020; 9(8): 201-212.[Persian]
15-Hasani J, Dehghan M, Moradi A R & et al. Cancer-Based Contextual Experiences: A Phenomenological Study of Cancer Patients. Quarterly Journal of Health Psychology. 2021; 10(3): 51-66.[Persian]
16-Riahi A, Mousavi Chalak A, Zare A. Scientific production of Iranian researchers in the field of cancer and compare with regional and world countries (2006- 2015). Research in Medicine. 2018; 41(4): 282-93.[Persian]
17-Zende-del K, Nahavi Jo A, Rashidian H & et al. Cancer in Iran: Comparative report on cancer statistics in Iran and the world in 2020 and 15 year forecast. Tehran: Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2024: 13-25.
18-Mazlumi O, Parsamehr M, Zare-shahabadi A. Investigating the factors related to the social stigma of cancer in Tehran in 1401. jhosp 2023; 22 (1): 87-101.[Persian]
19-Setareh Forozan A, Mirabzadeh A. Final report of the research project: Presenting an appropriate model for community-based mental health interventions in Tehran. 1st ed. Tehran: National Institute for Health Research. 2014. P. 143-154.[Persian]
20-Moradhaseli M. Review of mental image. Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi. 2019; 8(5): 133-142.[Persian]
21-Mohammadi M, Akbari H, Foladian M. stigma: A systematic review of studies conducted in Iran. Iranian Journal of Sociology. 2022; 23(1): 98-130.[Persian]
22-Jelodari S, Sodagar Sh, Bahrami Hidaji M. The effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on psychological flexibility and cognitive emotion regulation in women with breast cancer. Q Appl Psychol. 2020;13(4): 527-548.[Persian]
23-Soltan Mohammadi H. How Spirituality Affects Prevention and Treatment in the Case of Covid 19. Applied Politics, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies (IHCS). 2021; 3(1): 89-111.[Persian]
24-Golestanibakht T, Babaie E, Karimi M & et al. The Relationship between Self-Compassion and Optimism in Students: The Mediating Role of Social Adjustment. Social psychology research. 2022; 45(1): 65-84 [Persian].
25-Arabi S, Asghari B A. Stages Passing of Distress in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Research Study. JSSU 2022; 30 (4) :4726-4739.[Persian]
26-Torkmandi H, Heidaranlu E, Firouzbakht M & et al . The relationship between social support and quality of life in Iranian clients with Cancer. IJCA 2022; 1 (2) :9-15.[Persian]
27-Zanganeh Baygi M, Pewand M, Mirani Bahabadi F & et al. Explaining the Experiences of the Reasons for Non-Adherence to Treatment of Leukemia Cancer Patients in the Least Privileged Province of the Country: A Qualitative Study. Tolooebehdasht Journal. 2024;23(3): 107-122.[Persian]
28-Saberipour B, Gheibizadeh M, Ghanbari S & et al. The Relationship Between Social Support and Hope in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy in Hospitals of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. ijbd 2019; 12 (2) :48-56.[Persian]
29-Jangi Aghdam Kh, Sardari B. The effect of religious attitudes (religiosity) on resilience of cancer patients. Iranian Journal of Cancer Care (IJCA). 2022; 1(2): 1-8.[Persian]
30-Masmooi B, Khatiban M,Varshoie M.R & et al. Factors associated with self-efficacy self-care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Iranian Journal of Cancer Care (IJCA). 2022; 1(1): 40-47.[Persian]
31-Attaran Khorasani A, Safaee F, Taheri E & et al. Comparison of emotional schemas and personality traits based on DSM- 5 in couples with extramarital affairs and couples without extramarital affairs. Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health 2023; 25(1):41-48.
32-Nazemi N, Momeni H, Bashardoost N & et al. Evaluation of Oral Health and Psychological Health Related Quality of Life in Patient with Temporomandibular Disorders. J Isfahan Dent Sch 2019; 15(2): 138-147.[Persian]
33-Basharpoor S, NasriNasrabadi B, Heidari F & et al. The Role of Health Beliefs and Illness Perceptions in Predicting Health-Promoting Behaviors in Cancer Patients . Iran J Health Educ Health Promot. 2018; 6 (2): 102-113.[Persian]
Leila Barjasteh (Ph.Ds.)1, Mohammad Hossein Fallah (Ph.D.)2, Najmeh Sedrpoushan (Ph.D.)3,Abolghasem Asi Moznab (Ph.D.)4
1.Ph.D. Student in Counseling, Faculty of Education, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
2.Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Education, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran
3.Corresponding Author: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Education, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran Email: n.sedrpoushan@iau.ac.ir Tel: 09133526993
4.Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: In various human societies, cancer, as one of the most irritating, exhausting, and deadly diseases, has always had numerous negative effects on the lives of patients and their loved ones. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the psychological experiences of women with cancer as factors affecting the disease
Methods: The present study employs a qualitative approach and is applied in nature. Data collection was conducted through interviews with participants. The study sample consisted of 24 women diagnosed with cancer, aged 30 to 60, residing in Kerman, Iran. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. After collection, the data were recorded, documented, and transcribed. Subsequently, to identify, extract, organize, and interpret the latent themes, a coding process within thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA-2022 software.
Results: The findings showed that 5 main clusters and 12 sub-clusters were identified, including: health care factors (physical and mental health management; health behaviors; importance of education and awareness), use of coping mechanisms (Islamic coping style; acceptance; problem solving), social support networks (social network of family, friends, and those around them; support network of medical staff and hospital personnel), personality and attitude (personality traits of optimism and self-efficacy; positive attitude), and mental health (mental stress; mental disorders and anxiety and depression).
Conclusion: The results showed that the factors influencing disease in patients with cancer are a complex issue that, in addition to the most important causes of cancer, also depends on numerous other factors, including health care factors, coping mechanisms, support and social networks, personality, attitude, and mental health, which can affect the condition of cancer patients in a precipitating or intervening manner and be effective in preventing its progression or improving it.
Keywords: Psychological Experiences,Women,Cancer
Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest.
References
1-Ghasemi M, Abbaszadeh M, Golabi F & et al. Family social capital: A missing link in understanding the lived experiences of women suffering from cancer. J Soc Dev Welf Plann. 2023;15(54):287-316.[Persian]
2-Ahsanipour H. Cancer Tsunami in Iran: From Reality to Warning-The Cause of the Upward Trend in Cancr. Health Section of Mehr News Agency 2024; Available from: Http://www.mehrnews.com/x3486s. Accessed February 5,2024.
3-Bray F, Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I & et al. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68(6):394-424.
4-McKeague B, Maguire R. “The effects of cancer on a family are way beyond the person who's had it”: The experience and effect of a familial cancer diagnosis on the health behaviours of family members. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021;51:101905.
5-Bakhshalizadeh Irani F, Shahidi S, Hazini A. Psychological Experiences of Terminal Cancer Patients with an Emphasis on Their Concerns and Needs: A Phenomenological Study. Journal of Research in Psychological Health. 2020; 14(2): 20-33.[Persian]
6-Kubler-Ross E. On Death and Dying. Trans: Bahrami AA. Tehran: Roshd Publications; 2021. 4th ed. p. 272. 11-36.
7-Dorri N, Pourhosein R. The association between stress and cancer: a systematic review of research literature. Rooyesh. 2020;8(12):1-10.[Persian]
8-Imanzadeh A, sharifi golzardi F. Lived Experiences of Cancer Patients from Death Anxiety Based on Jaspers Borderline Situations. IJPN 2019; 6 (6) :35-47.[Persian]
9-Potthoff S, Gather J, Hempeler Ch & et al. Voluntary in quotation marks”: a conceptual model of psychological pressure in mental healthcare based on a grounded theory analysis of interviews with service users. BMC Psychiatry. 2022; 22(186): 1-13.
10-Mousavi Chalak A, Riahi A, Zare A. Scientific production of Iranian researchers in the field of cancer and compare with regional and world countries (2006- 2015). The Quarterly journal of School of Medicine. 2018; 41(4): 282-93.[Persian]
11-Shashi K. Agarwal MD. Lifestyles and Their Impact on Cancer. East African Scholars Journal of Medical Sciences. 2021; 4(11): 270-280.
12-Ernst H. Environmental and lifestyle factors in carcinogenesis: Risk and prevention. J Med Oncol Ther. 2025;10(2): 258.
13-Olson R E. Towards a sociology of cancer caregiving: time to feel. Trans: Ebrahimi Loyeh A, Mirzaie Rajeoni S, Abedian Shahraki N. No.1. Tehran: Loyeh Publications; 2018. P. 45-48.[Persian]
14-Pourhosein R, Farsham A. An investigating the Compatibility of Breast cancer from a Psychological and Social Perspective: a systematic review of literature. Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi. 2020; 9(8): 201-212.[Persian]
15-Hasani J, Dehghan M, Moradi A R & et al. Cancer-Based Contextual Experiences: A Phenomenological Study of Cancer Patients. Quarterly Journal of Health Psychology. 2021; 10(3): 51-66.[Persian]
16-Riahi A, Mousavi Chalak A, Zare A. Scientific production of Iranian researchers in the field of cancer and compare with regional and world countries (2006- 2015). Research in Medicine. 2018; 41(4): 282-93.[Persian]
17-Zende-del K, Nahavi Jo A, Rashidian H & et al. Cancer in Iran: Comparative report on cancer statistics in Iran and the world in 2020 and 15 year forecast. Tehran: Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences; 2024: 13-25.
18-Mazlumi O, Parsamehr M, Zare-shahabadi A. Investigating the factors related to the social stigma of cancer in Tehran in 1401. jhosp 2023; 22 (1): 87-101.[Persian]
19-Setareh Forozan A, Mirabzadeh A. Final report of the research project: Presenting an appropriate model for community-based mental health interventions in Tehran. 1st ed. Tehran: National Institute for Health Research. 2014. P. 143-154.[Persian]
20-Moradhaseli M. Review of mental image. Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi. 2019; 8(5): 133-142.[Persian]
21-Mohammadi M, Akbari H, Foladian M. stigma: A systematic review of studies conducted in Iran. Iranian Journal of Sociology. 2022; 23(1): 98-130.[Persian]
22-Jelodari S, Sodagar Sh, Bahrami Hidaji M. The effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on psychological flexibility and cognitive emotion regulation in women with breast cancer. Q Appl Psychol. 2020;13(4): 527-548.[Persian]
23-Soltan Mohammadi H. How Spirituality Affects Prevention and Treatment in the Case of Covid 19. Applied Politics, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies (IHCS). 2021; 3(1): 89-111.[Persian]
24-Golestanibakht T, Babaie E, Karimi M & et al. The Relationship between Self-Compassion and Optimism in Students: The Mediating Role of Social Adjustment. Social psychology research. 2022; 45(1): 65-84 [Persian].
25-Arabi S, Asghari B A. Stages Passing of Distress in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Research Study. JSSU 2022; 30 (4) :4726-4739.[Persian]
26-Torkmandi H, Heidaranlu E, Firouzbakht M & et al . The relationship between social support and quality of life in Iranian clients with Cancer. IJCA 2022; 1 (2) :9-15.[Persian]
27-Zanganeh Baygi M, Pewand M, Mirani Bahabadi F & et al. Explaining the Experiences of the Reasons for Non-Adherence to Treatment of Leukemia Cancer Patients in the Least Privileged Province of the Country: A Qualitative Study. Tolooebehdasht Journal. 2024;23(3): 107-122.[Persian]
28-Saberipour B, Gheibizadeh M, Ghanbari S & et al. The Relationship Between Social Support and Hope in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy in Hospitals of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. ijbd 2019; 12 (2) :48-56.[Persian]
29-Jangi Aghdam Kh, Sardari B. The effect of religious attitudes (religiosity) on resilience of cancer patients. Iranian Journal of Cancer Care (IJCA). 2022; 1(2): 1-8.[Persian]
30-Masmooi B, Khatiban M,Varshoie M.R & et al. Factors associated with self-efficacy self-care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Iranian Journal of Cancer Care (IJCA). 2022; 1(1): 40-47.[Persian]
31-Attaran Khorasani A, Safaee F, Taheri E & et al. Comparison of emotional schemas and personality traits based on DSM- 5 in couples with extramarital affairs and couples without extramarital affairs. Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health 2023; 25(1):41-48.
32-Nazemi N, Momeni H, Bashardoost N & et al. Evaluation of Oral Health and Psychological Health Related Quality of Life in Patient with Temporomandibular Disorders. J Isfahan Dent Sch 2019; 15(2): 138-147.[Persian]
33-Basharpoor S, NasriNasrabadi B, Heidari F & et al. The Role of Health Beliefs and Illness Perceptions in Predicting Health-Promoting Behaviors in Cancer Patients . Iran J Health Educ Health Promot. 2018; 6 (2): 102-113.[Persian]
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Counseling
Received: 2025/04/6 | Accepted: 2025/06/2 | Published: 2025/09/22
Received: 2025/04/6 | Accepted: 2025/06/2 | Published: 2025/09/22
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