Experiences of shame in women with cervical cancer (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An experimental investigation of the impact of differential information-provision on the experience of shame in cervical cancer (V1)
IRAS ID
217863
Contact name
Amy Caswell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer, associated with a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. While HPV is extremely common, with most people contracting it in their lifetime, people with cervical cancer and HPV can experience judgment from others. Cervical cancer is associated with higher levels of distress and shame than many other types of cancer. \n\nIt is thought that knowing that HPV is sexually transmitted might be linked to the distress and shame that women with cervical cancer can experience. It is also thought that knowing that HPV is very common might reduce feelings of shame in women with cervical cancer, as this normalises knowledge that cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus. The current study will explore this.\n\nWomen with a diagnosis of cervical cancer will be invited to participate in the study. Participants will be allocated to one of two conditions. In the study they will be shown information about HPV, including information that it is sexually transmitted and normalising information that it is very common. After reading this information, participants will answer questions about their state shame, stigma, positive affect and mood. Participants will be given the information in different orders depending on which condition they are in.\n\nThe research will be conducted online, and will last around 20 minutes. \n\nThis research is important as it will help us to support patients with cervical cancer. The research will help us understand whether women with cervical cancer feel shame about HPV, and whether information that HPV is very common reduces experiences of shame and distress.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
17/WA/0106
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion