Correlates of dysfunctional career thoughts in breast cancer survivors from the Bahamas

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine the correlates of dysfunctional career thoughts (DCTs) in a sample of breast cancers survivors.

Sample and design: A total of 195 breast cancer survivors from the Bahamas completed a cross-sectional survey.

Methods: The Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI) and standard medical and demographic items were administered. Analysis of Variance and logistic regression models were used to examine associations.

Findings: Total CTI scores differed by age group, marital status, surgical remedy, and employment prior to diagnosis. The odds of DCT were higher among younger (Odds Ratio [OR] = 4.4), married (OR = 2.4), who were unemployed prior to diagnosis (OR = 3.5).

Conclusion: Dysfunctional career thoughts appear to be common in certain breast cancer survivors. Further research is needed to determine whether similar associations are observed in other samples.

Implications for Providers: Providers should discuss DCTs after treatment.

Keywords:

• Bahamas
• breast cancer
• commitment anxiety
• decision making confusion
• dysfunctional career thoughts
• external conflict

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded in part by funds provided by the RCMI Center for Health Disparities Research (to LSD) and from the National Cancer Institute (K01CA158000 to RJP)