Date of Submission
2016
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
First Advisor
Barbara Golden, PsyD, ABPP
Second Advisor
Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP
Third Advisor
Kevin O'Hayer, MD, PhD
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between cognitive distortions and health behaviors among women at risk for breast cancer. Sixty-eight participants completed an online survey consisting of demographic information, the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), and the Health Adherence Behavior Inventory (HABIT). Results of the study indicate that health behaviors decrease as thinking becomes more distorted. The data also suggest that various cognitive distortions predict worse adherence, including fortune telling, minimization, and magnification. These findings have implications for the role of clinical psychologists in healthcare settings, and for the utility and implementation of cognitive behavioral interventions to increase early detection and promote prevention strategies among women at risk for breast cancer.
Recommended Citation
Viner, Amanda, "Cognitive Distortions: Predictors of Medical Adherence and Health Behaviors Among Women at Risk for Breast Cancer" (2016). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 417.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/417