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Esquives BSN, Walsh EA, Penedo FJ, Thomas JL, Horner FS, Torzewski JB, Gradishar W, Victorson D, Moreno PI. Coping strategies and psychosocial resources among women living with metastatic breast cancer: A qualitative study. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:381-397. [PMID: 37698184 PMCID: PMC10927610 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2254754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Despite more women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), this population is underrepresented in cancer survivorship research. Few studies have assessed how women with MBC cope with their cancer experience. This qualitative study describes the coping strategies and psychosocial resources utilized by women living with MBC.Methods: Twenty-two women with MBC participated in four focus groups. Transcripts were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Codes derived from participants' responses were subsequently condensed into themes.Results: We identified 12 coping strategies and psychosocial resources and grouped them into five themes: Behavioral Coping Strategies (i.e. stress management, active coping and planning); Cognitive Coping Strategies and Psychological Resources (i.e. cognitive reappraisal, optimism, mindfulness, positive thinking, and religious coping); Existential Approach-Oriented Coping (i.e. acceptance, values-based living, and identity integration); Avoidance (i.e. avoidant coping); and Interpersonal Resources and Seeking Social Support (i.e. social support).Conclusions: Women living with MBC utilize several engagement and disengagement coping strategies, as well as intrapersonal and interpersonal resources. This study provides useful perspectives of women living with MBC that may inform the development of psychosocial interventions. Further research is needed to assess coping strategies and psychosocial resources across different subgroups of MBC patients and determine their impact on cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frank J. Penedo
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Jessica L. Thomas
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | | | - Joanna B. Torzewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - William Gradishar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - David Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Patricia I. Moreno
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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Kolsteren EEM, Deuning-Smit E, Chu AK, van der Hoeven YCW, Prins JB, van der Graaf WTA, van Herpen CML, van Oort IM, Lebel S, Thewes B, Kwakkenbos L, Custers JAE. Psychosocial Aspects of Living Long Term with Advanced Cancer and Ongoing Systemic Treatment: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163889. [PMID: 36010883 PMCID: PMC9405683 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Studies examining the psychosocial impact of living long term on systemic treatment in advanced cancer patients are scarce. This scoping review aimed to answer the research question “What has been reported about psychosocial factors among patients living with advanced cancer receiving life-long systemic treatment?”, by synthesizing psychosocial data, and evaluating the terminology used to address these patients; (2) Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the five stages of the framework of Arksey and O’Malley (2005); (3) Results: 141 articles published between 2000 and 2021 (69% after 2015) were included. A large variety of terms referring to the patient group was observed. Synthesizing qualitative studies identified ongoing uncertainty, anxiety and fear of disease progression or death, hope in treatment results and new treatment options, loss in several aspects of life, and worries about the impact of disease on loved ones and changes in social life to be prominent psychosocial themes. Of 82 quantitative studies included in the review, 76% examined quality of life, 46% fear of disease progression or death, 26% distress or depression, and 4% hope, while few studies reported on adaptation or cognitive aspects. No quantitative studies focused on uncertainty, loss, or social impact; (4) Conclusion and clinical implications: Prominent psychosocial themes reported in qualitative studies were not included in quantitative research using specific validated questionnaires. More robust studies using quantitative research designs should be conducted to further understand these psychological constructs. Furthermore, the diversity of terminology found in the literature calls for a uniform definition to better address this specific patient group in research and in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evie E. M. Kolsteren
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Psychology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Esther Deuning-Smit
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Psychology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alanna K. Chu
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Yvonne C. W. van der Hoeven
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Psychology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith B. Prins
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Psychology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Winette T. A. van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla M. L. van Herpen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M. van Oort
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Urology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Lebel
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Belinda Thewes
- School of Psychology, Sydney University, Camperdown 2050, Australia
| | - Linda Kwakkenbos
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Psychology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Clinical Psychology, Radboud University, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboudumc Center for Mindfulness, Department of Psychiatry, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - José A. E. Custers
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Psychology, 6525 Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Cosentino C, Sgromo D, Merisio C, Berretta R, Pruneti C. Psychophysiological Adjustment to Ovarian Cancer: Preliminary Study on Italian Women Condition. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2018; 43:161-168. [PMID: 29926266 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-018-9395-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and physiological adjustment in a sample of Ovarian Cancer survivors. For all we know, this is the first time that such analysis has been performed in Italy. We assessed psychological adjustment along with physiological adjustment, measured through the basal Heart Rate Variability at rest. We assessed 38 women overall, aged 29-80 years, in follow up for ovarian cancer. Each participant filled a psycho-oncological record, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Derridford Appearance Scale-59, Mental Adjustment to Cancer and EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire LQ-30 Version 3.0. For each participant, we recorded Heart Rate Variability (5 min). These women have shown a high rate of perceived general social support (Me = 5.93) but they seem to have some general concern about their appearance (Me = 85.97, SD = 24.4). They have also shown a rather good total Quality of Life (QL2 Me = 66.32) with specific difficulties in emotional functioning (EF; Me = 69.19). Heart Rate Variability values, however, were lower of nearly 50% when compared to normative values. These women, then, seem to drag concerns and difficulties, in particular linked to the acceptance of their condition. Surprisingly enough, the best adjustment in these women seems to be related to the worst starting conditions. It is possible to suggest that the extremely negative conditions force these women to face cancer openly, as well as their condition of cancer survivors, pushing them "moving on" more than "trying to get back".
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cosentino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43125, Parma, Italy.
| | - Domenico Sgromo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Carla Merisio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Complex Operative Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberto Berretta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Complex Operative Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Pruneti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci, 14, 43125, Parma, Italy
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