Perceived Levels of Occupational Stress and the Onset of Cancer

Project Abstract

The purpose of this study is to study the relationship between occupational stress and the development of cancer. In order to test this relationship we will use three psychological stress assessments and test cancer victims. If the intended outcome is found research would continue through a longitudinal study of high stress individuals.

Project description

Psyconeuroimmunology is the field of research that emphasizes the interaction of psychological, neural and immunological processes in stress and illness (Straub, R. O., 2002 Health Psychology, pp. G-9). There are a number of theories relating to the suppression of the immune system and development of cancer. One such theory is the immune surveillance theory which states that cancer cells are prevented from developing by NK (Natural Killer) cells of the immune system. However, when one is under stress the immune system is weakened and cancer cells may develop more easily (Holland & Lewis, 1996). There are two models that suggest why some will develop cancer and others may not. The Diathesis-Stress Model assumes that some individuals are more vulnerable to stress-related diseases because either genetic weakness or biochemical imbalance predisposes them to diseases (Gatchel, 1993.) The other model is the Hardy Personality Model. This model states that psychologically healthy people are buffered against levels of stress that might lead to stress related illnesses (Kobasa & Maddi 1977.)

The goals of this research project are to find a relationship between prolonged stress and cancer onset. The main objectives will be to have participants take the Holmes and Rahe Life stress assessment, Occupational Stress Assessment by Dr. James Short and the Job Stress Survey by C.D. Speilberger. We will be looking at the participants’ perceived stress levels, both before and after they were diagnosed with cancer. If the findings have significance then a possible project would follow participants in a longitudinal study. I am involved in the overall selection, design, application, analysis and reporting of this project. This topic was chosen because I had an interest in it and because I am a cancer survivor as well. Dr. Fowler, as my mentor, has helped to guide me through the right research processes and appropriate research strategies. I will also be responsible for gathering data, applying the most accurate statistical analysis, obtaining IRB approval and to report on the findings when the study is completed.

My previous training include classes such as: Directed Readings, Bio-Psychology, Social Psychology, Human Biology, and I will be doing a research and methods course in the summer of 2004 which will be designed specifically for this topic. These aforementioned classes have helped me to understand the physiological mechanisms related to my study. I am specifically using my directed readings course under the direction of Dr. Fowler for this study. I will follow up with the Projects and Research course to apply the study and obtain results.

This project will provide me with a great opportunity to exercise intellectual initiative and independent thought. I have had to learn how to do true research, how to write a proposal, apply for IRB approval, how to think as they say “outside of the box” to create ideas through research and to apply them creatively.

From this project I will be presenting at different symposiums such as: a psychology poster session, the WSU undergraduate research symposium and I plan to apply to regional, national and international conferences. The intellectual and creative contribution from this project will apply to the discipline of psychology in that it will provide further information that there may be a relationship between high, prolonged stress and immune deficiency which may result in the breakdown of healthy cells and onset of cancer cells. Further research from this project may be able to show a strong relationship with prolonged occupational stress, the onset of cancer and appropriate coping strategies in the prevention of stress related illnesses.

Project methods and time line

The methods that will be used will be three questionnaires given to current patients or survivors who will be asked to take the assessments to measure current stress levels, as well as levels of stress retroactive to the period before they were diagnosed. Possible screening may include: absolute genetic factors, age and or activities that are related to the development of cancer (for e.g. Smoking). A correlation analysis will be run to find the relationship between stress and cancer onset. This project must be completed by end of summer term which gives us a schedule of about four months. We will apply for WSU IRB approval as soon as possible, thus this grant will be contingent on approval from the IRB.

Project budget

I am specifically applying for funding to be able to purchase two of the three assessments. I will be giving the assessments twice, once for current levels and once as a retroactive measure of stress prior to cancer diagnosis. This is the first study of its kind and may lead to future studies. In fact, I have had a difficult time finding previous research that is related to this study. I hope to use the grant money used to purchase the assessments will help many students in the future.