Existential Counseling as a Vehicle to Support Latina Breast Cancer Survivors. Issue 1 (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gonzalez, Jessica; Barden, Sejal M.
• Is Part Of: Counseling and values. Volume 59:Issue 1(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 49
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: Counseling -- Religious aspects -- Periodicals; Spiritual direction -- Periodicals; Philosophical counseling -- Periodicals; Values -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158.3
• DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007X.2014.00041.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-7960

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Latinas in the United States experience high incidences of breast cancer diagnosis (American Cancer Society, <xref ref-type="link" rid="cvj41-bib-0003">2012</xref>). Researchers (e.g., Abraído‐Lanza, Chao, &amp; Gammon, <xref ref-type="link" rid="cvj41-bib-0001">2004</xref>; Ashing‐Giwa, Padilla, Bohorquez, Tejero, &amp; Garcia, <xref ref-type="link" rid="cvj41-bib-0008">2006</xref>) indicated that Latinas report heightened levels of psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, existential concerns) when compared with other cancer survivors. The purpose of this article is to (a) provide an overview of the mental health concerns of Latina breast cancer survivors and their families, (b) discuss the use of existential counseling to decrease psychological distress, and (c) integrate cultural variables to support cancer recovery from a culturally sensitive perspective.</p> </abstract>