Childhood Adversity and Cumulative Life Stress: Risk Factors for Cancer-Related Fatigue.
Title | Childhood Adversity and Cumulative Life Stress: Risk Factors for Cancer-Related Fatigue. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Bower JE, Crosswell AD, Slavich GM |
Journal | Clin Psychol Sci |
Volume | 2 |
Issue | 1 |
Date Published | 2014 Jan |
ISSN | 2167-7026 |
Abstract | Fatigue is a common symptom in healthy and clinical populations, including cancer survivors. However, risk factors for cancer-related fatigue have not been identified. On the basis of research linking stress with other fatigue-related disorders, we tested the hypothesis that stress exposure during childhood and throughout the life span would be associated with fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Stress exposure was assessed using the Stress and Adversity Inventory, a novel computer-based instrument that assesses for 96 types of acute and chronic stressors that may affect health. Results showed that breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue reported significantly higher levels of cumulative lifetime stress exposure, including more stressful experiences in childhood and in adulthood, compared to a control group of nonfatigued survivors. These findings identify a novel risk factor for fatigue in the growing population of cancer survivors and suggest targets for treatment. |
DOI | 10.1177/2167702613496243 |
Alternate Journal | Clin Psychol Sci |
PubMed ID | 24377083 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3873097 |
Grant List | K08 MH103443 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States R01 CA160427 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States R25 CA087949 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States T32 GM084903 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States |