First Advisor

Walter Klopfer

Date of Publication

1979

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Language

English

Subjects

Mastectomy, Hysterectomy, Sex

DOI

10.15760/etd.2713

Physical Description

1 online resource (42 p.)

Abstract

Sixteen women who had had hysterectomies and eighteen women who had had mastectomies were mailed the Oregon Sex Inventory to see if any significant differences in sexual behavior occurred before or after surgery.

The mastectomy group showed a greater degree of change in their sexual behavior than the hysterectomy group. The mastectomy group reported a decrease in the importance of the breast during the sexual act after surgery and a decrease in their desire for intercourse after surgery. The hysterectomy group reported lowered sexual satisfaction after surgery.

The changes reported in this study although relatively small are statistically significant. The sample, because of the high income and education level may reflect some bias. The questionnaires were randomly sent but the women in both groups who responded seem to represent a definite socio-economic class of our society.

It is of interest to note that this is the first research study done on mastectomies that used a control group.

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/16958

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