Adult self-image and well-being after testicular cancer: The role of agency and meaning

Objective: Cancer during young adulthood can limit the extent to which one adopts an adult self-image. However, the relationship of adult self-image to cancer-related adjustment remains unexplored. The current study examines relationships of adult self-image and social/emotional well-being and job-related problems in young testicular cancer survivors. Factors thought to facilitate future-oriented goals (i.e. agency and meaning) are examined as intermediary processes.Design: Testicular cancer survivors (N = 171) between the ages of 18 and 29 completed questionnaire measures of adult self-image, agency, sense of meaning and indicators of adjustment.Main Outcome Measures: Social and emotional well-being were measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Job problems were assessed using the EORTC’s testicular cancer supplement (EORTC QLQ-TC26).Results: Path model results revealed direct associations of survivors’ adult self-image with social (β = .20, p < .05), but not emotional well-being ...