Semantics of Experience of a Mental Trauma by Young Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

The article reports the data of research of semantic field of cancer, as a mental trauma. In the study was used a modified “Semantic Differential” (Ch. Osgood) among breast cancer patients. Based on the results obtained, concluded that the severity of mental trauma can be determined by the semantic field of oncological disease. Breast cancer patients, who exhibit a high injury index exhibit more subjective significant relationships in the semantic field, where the disease itself can be meant to threaten the breakdown of these connections. For patients with a low injury index, a smaller number of subjective significant relationships in semantic field obtained, the stress zone built in relation to the enhancement of self-identification; the disease is not meant as a threat of decay self-concept. The obtained results can be used to determine the target of psychological correction within the framework of psychological rehabilitation of breast cancer patients.

Keywords

• experience
• mental adaptation
• semantic differential
• breast cancer