How Feeling Older Affects Physical Well-Being Before Lung Cancer Scans
Author Information
Author(s): Dunsmore, Neupert
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
Does the discrepancy between felt age and chronological age relate to physical well-being in lung cancer patients as they approach CT scans?
Conclusion
Patients who felt older than their chronological age reported better physical well-being before their CT scans.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients reported increases in physical well-being when they felt older than their chronological age.
- The model accounted for 33% of the within-person variance of physical well-being.
- Qualitative interviews may reveal coping themes that help mitigate the effects of cancer treatment.
Takeaway
If you feel older than you really are, it might actually make you feel better physically, especially if you're waiting for a lung cancer scan.
Methodology
Patients completed baseline surveys and monthly surveys on physical well-being and felt age until their CT scan.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the homogeneity of the sample and self-reported measures.
Limitations
The study's sample was small and predominantly consisted of white women.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly white (80%), women (96%), aged 43 to 78 years (M = 62.33, SD = 8.10).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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