• 141-01 - Breast Cancer, the Family, and the Therapist: A Look at Theory, Research, and Practice. Presented by: Alison Wong, Stephanie Trudeau-Hern

• 141-02 - Weighty Issues of Obesity: Emotional and Physical Impacts in the Relational Dyad. Presented by: Heather Hoshiko, Stephen Fife
• 141-03 - Decade of Change: New Interdisciplinary Needs of People With Infertility. Presented by:  Constance Shapiro

Abstracts

Relational Intervention with Gendered Health Issues

Presented by Alison Wong, Stephanie Trudeau-Hern, Heather Hoshiko, Stephen Fife, and Constance Shapiro

Medical issues are often addressed in strictly physical terms: symptoms, onset and causes, and treatment (e.g., medications, diets, radiology, surgery, etc.). But the physical aspect is often only one element in the lives of those with medical problems; relationships are impacted by pain, fear, economic stress, alienation, and the demands of a treatment regimen that disrupts many aspects of life. And these effects are gendered, based on expectations about emotional and physical caregiving, commitment, mutuality, and self-care. This session will explore ways in which professionals may engage with relational aspects of three medical issues: infertility, obesity, and breast cancer.