Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: A Story Line Resistant to Evidence

Abstract
Background Aspinwall and Tedeschi (Ann Behav Med, 2010) summarize evidence they view as supporting links between positive psychological
states, including sense of coherence (SOC) and optimism and health outcomes, and they refer to persistent assumptions that
interfere with understanding how positive states predict health.
Purpose We critically evaluate Aspinwall and Tedeschi’s assertions.
Methods We examine evidence related to SOC and optimism in relation to physical health, and rev [...]
Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Internet Smoking Cessation Program with Long-Term Follow-up

Abstract
Background Internet programs for smoking cessation are widely available but few controlled studies demonstrate long-term efficacy.
Purpose To determine the 13-month effectiveness of an Internet program presenting a set sequence of interactive steps, and the role
of depressed affect.
Methods In a randomized controlled trial sponsored by the American Cancer Society, a treatment condition (n = 1,106) was compared to a control site (n = 1,047).
Results More trea [...]
MobileMums: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an SMS-Based Physical Activity Intervention

Abstract
Background Postnatal women (<12 months postpartum) are at increased risk of physical inactivity.
Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a theory-based physical activity (PA) intervention delivered to postnatal women
primarily via mobile telephone short message service (SMS).
Methods Eighty-eight women were randomized to the intervention (n = 45) or minimal contact control (n = 43) condition. The 12-week intervention consisted of a face-to-face PA goal-setti [...]
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Cardiovascular, and Metabolic Disease: A Review of the Evidence

Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Purpose The purpose of the current review is to evaluate the evidence suggesting that PTSD increases cardiovascular and metabolic
risk factors, and to identify possible biomarkers and psychosocial characteristics and behavioral variables that are associated
with these outcomes.
Methods A systematic literature search in the period of 2002–2009 for PTSD, cardiovascula [...]
Executive Function and Survival in the Context of Chronic Illness

Abstract
Background Individual differences in executive function (EF) have been shown to predict risk factors for chronic illness. It is not currently
known whether EFs also predict survival time following a diagnosis of a chronic illness.
Purpose The objective of this investigation was to examine the association between individual differences in EF and survival time
among individuals suffering from one or more chronic illness.
Methods A sample of 162 community-dwelling older adults who suffered [...]
Direct and Buffering Effects of Social Support Among Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

Abstract
Background There are few studies of QoL among long-term gynecologic cancer survivors; available data suggest significant sequelae of
disease and treatment. Research clarifying circumstances that improve difficult survivorship trajectories is lacking.
Purpose The present study examines whether social support moderates the relationship between physical functioning and psychological
outcomes by testing the stress-buffering hypothesis.
Methods Participants (N = 260) were gynecologic can [...]
Positive Psychology in Cancer Care: Bad Science, Exaggerated Claims, and Unproven Medicine

Abstract
Background Claims of positive psychology about people with cancer enjoy great popularity because they seem to offer scientific confirmation
of strongly held cultural beliefs and values.
Purpose Our goal is to examine critically four widely accepted claims in the positive psychology literature regarding adaptational
outcomes among individuals living with cancer.
Methods We examine: (1) the role of positive factors, such as a “fighting spirit” in extending the life of persons with can [...]