Psychological distress and well-being in advanced cancer: The effects of optimism and coping

Abstract

This study examined the relations among optimism, coping, functional status, and psychological adjustment in 75 adults diagnosed with cancer. Both the positive and the negative aspects of psychological adjustment were assessed. All participants had been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer (i.e., Stages II, III, and IV). Participants completed three assessments across a 4-month time period. Both optimism and coping were associated with psychological adjustment, even after controlling for functional status and prior adjustment. Additionally, optimism and coping were differentially related to distress and well-being. Optimism was strongly and positively associated with well-being and inversely related to distress. Escape-Avoidance coping was positively associated with distress and Accepting Responsibility coping was negatively associated with well-being. Comparisons between the current and prior studies indicated that individuals who are diagnosed with more advanced stages of cancer or who have survived bone marrow transplantation exhibit higher levels of optimism than do healthy individuals and individuals with early-stage disease.

Relevance of philosophy of life and optimism for psychological distress among individuals in a stage where death is approaching

“…Earlier studies reveal that the personality traits of optimism or pessimism are important for good and poor adjustment among healthy person's [29] as well as among cancer patient's [7]. Optimism also has a positive relation to psychological wellbeing among healthy persons [1,23], as well as among patients in different disease stages of cancer [3,7,22].…”

Coping and psychological distress among head and neck cancer patients

“…The standard deviation for the Ways of Coping Checklist domains scores varied in the literature with different patients population (62)(63)(64). The sample size calculation is based on the hypothesis that head and neck cancer patients with low levels of anxiety or depression use different coping skills compared to those with high levels of anxiety or depression 6-12 months following the diagnosis of their cancer.…”

“…Miller et al examined 75 patients diagnosed with different types of cancer to describe the relationship between coping styles and psychological distress. Their analysis shows that among the coping strategies used by patients; Escape-avoidance coping was the only strategy that predicted distress (63).…”

Stress, optimism, and social support: Impact on immune responses in breast cancer

“…Furthermore, optimism has often been considered a protective factor that contributes to resilience under stress. Optimism has been associated with a number of positive health benefits for healthy individuals as well as cancer patients, including enhanced well-being (Scheier & Carver, 1985), decreased distress Miller, Manne, Taylor, Keates, & Dougherty, 1996), and decreased anxiety and depression (Epping-Jordon et al, 1999). However, research findings regarding the relationship between optimism and immune response are mixed.…”