Changes in communication tensions for men facing prostate cancer: a longitudinal study. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Dot
• Is Part Of: Journal of communication in healthcare. Volume 12:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Communication tensions -- prostate cancer -- relational dialectical theory; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- Periodicals; 610.696
• DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2019.1572983
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-8068

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Communication tensions are experienced by men not only while waiting for a prostate biopsy, but also subsequently, whether they are diagnosed with cancer or cleared of prostate issues. This longitudinal study comprised an initial study (T1) and a follow-up study (T2), three years later. It followed 25 men waiting for the result of a prostate biopsy and explored the changes in communication tensions they experienced. Method: Using semi-structured interviews and relational dialectical theory, this study assessed (a) how the communication tensions identified at T1 evolved over the intervening three years, (b) what new tensions emerged at T2, and (c) the types of discourse the tensions were embedded in. Results: The study found that the form of communication tensions changed from T1 to T2. Furthermore, it found that the tensions were both time- and context-specific. The communication tension at T2 were embedded in two competing discourses of health and wellbeing and of individualism. Conclusion: Recognizing the tensions men with prostate issues face enables targeted support from family members and medical professionals, which, in turn, facilitates a quicker return to normality for the men.