Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Reports Findings in Breast Cancer (Depressive Personality Vulnerability and Adaptation to Breast Cancer: A Matter of Self-Criticism?).

The article focuses on a study examining the impact of personality dimensions—specifically dependency and self-criticism—on adaptation following a breast cancer diagnosis. Conducted by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva, Israel, the study involved patients in Germany and assessed outcomes such as functioning, symptomatic load, and fatigue through a Randomized Clinical Trial comparing Supportive-Expressive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (SEP) to Treatment as Usual (TAU). Findings indicated that self-criticism negatively affected adaptation, leading to decreased functioning and increased symptoms, while dependency was linked to heightened breast symptoms. The research highlights the importance of addressing personality vulnerabilities in early detection and management of breast cancer. [Extracted from the article]