Women’s well-being following breast cancer diagnosis: a psychology of working analysis

This study explores how a woman’s breast cancer diagnosis impacts her overall well-being in the workplace. The Psychology of Working theory (PWT) was applied to the population and different variables including career adaptability, decent work, social connection, and well-being were examined with women who were diagnosed with breast cancer while they were in the workplace. Statistical analysis was completed, and results were examined. Overall, results found that an increase in social connection increases women’s well-being. Further, social connection affects the relationship between decent work and well-being. An increase in career adaptability can increase decent work and decent work can affect social connection in a positive way. Further, career adaptability is only linked to social connection through decent work, which means that increased decent work increases the relationship between career adaptability and social connection. These findings offer support for considerations for women who have been diagnosed with cancer while working. Limitations, implications for these women, and suggestions for employers are discussed.