Understanding Attitudes towards Seeking Psychological Help
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Relationship between Attachment Style and Attitudes towards Seeking Psychological Help in Colorectal Cancer Patients.
IRAS ID
171368
Contact name
Candice Boone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 15 days
Research summary
Estimates of the prevalence of psychological distress among individuals with colorectal cancer (CRC) range from 32% to 44%. Yet distress within cancer patients does not automatically translate into a desire or need for psychological intervention. Positive attitudes towards help seeking among cancer patients is one factor that has been related to the use of psychological support services. Yet there is a lack of research investigating factors that influence patients’ attitudes towards seeking psychological help. This study will investigate one possible influence on attitudes towards seeking psychological help: adult attachment style.
This study will recruit CRC patients from a CRC clinic at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust. Patients will be at least three months post surgical resection of their tumour. Approximately 100 CRC patients will be approached and asked to complete a set of questionnaires measuring their attachment style and attitudes towards seeking psychological help in the context of their cancer. Covariates that will also be measured and statistically controlled for are perceived social support from others, level of psychological distress and quality of life (QoL). The questionnaires will take 20 minutes to complete.
Given the number of individuals with distress who do not utilise psychological support, it is hoped that this research will help improve our understanding of factors that affect attitudes towards seeking psychological help within the context of cancer.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0404
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion