Coping Strategies and Benefit-finding in the Relationship between Non-disclosure and Depressive Symptoms among Breast Cancer Survivors in China

Background In the US there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors (BCSs), most of whom have required some type of intensive treatment. How individuals cope with the treatment process may relate to why neurocognitive problems arise. Method We explored the impact of treatment for breast cancer (BC) on performance of the Memory Island task, both on working memory and on the general index of cognitive performance in relation to coping strategies of BCSs compared to age-matched controls. Results The evidence obtained suggests a reduced performance in visuospatial memory in BCSs. Those who used emotional coping strategies displayed reduced performance in visuospatial learning and immediate memory. Those women who used problem-focused coping strategies performed better in those tasks measuring psychomotor speed, general intelligence, and delayed visuospatial memory. Conclusions It is concluded that further investigation of the relationship between coping strategies and performance on visuospatial tasks may provide useful information on residual levels of neurocognitive deficits and psychosocial adaptation in BCSs.

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Examining the relationship between social cognitive processing and depressive symptoms in long-term breast cancer survivors and their partners.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2016.34.3_suppl.191 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 191-191

Author(s):

Andrea A Cohee ◽

Victoria Champion

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cognitive Processing ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Social Constraints ◽

Social Cognitive Processing ◽

The Relationship

191 Background: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) and their partners frequently report distress, including depressive symptoms after diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. The Social Cognitive Processing Theory (SCPT) has been useful in identifying predictors of both BCS and partner distress, although most studies have occurred early in survivorship. Relationships between SCPT variables and depressive symptoms in long-term BCS and their partners have not been well explored. The purpose of this study is to test relationships between SCPT variables and depressive symptoms in long-term BCS and their partners. Methods: In a large cross-sectional study, BCS (N = 222), who were 3-8 years from diagnosis, and their partners completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics, social constraints, cognitive processing (intrusive thoughts and cognitive avoidance), and depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses were conducted for survivors and partners separately to determine if cognitive processing would mediate the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms. Results: Cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms both for BCS [F(5,209) = 16.373, R2= .281, p < .001] and partners [F(4, 216) = 8.281, R2= .133, p < .001), controlling for age, education, and survivors’ time since diagnosis. Although included in the model, demographic variables did not significantly predict depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Relationships in the SCPT were confirmed; cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms for both long-term BCS and their partners. Results expand the utility of the SCPT in long-term survivors and their partners by supporting its use in intervention design.

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Supplemental Material for Improvements in Emotion Regulation Following Mindfulness Meditation: Effects on Depressive Symptoms and Perceived Stress in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology ◽

10.1037/ccp0000186.supp ◽

2017 ◽

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Emotion Regulation ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Mindfulness Meditation

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Disparities in access to mobile devices and e-health literacy among breast cancer survivors

Supportive Care in Cancer ◽

10.1007/s00520-021-06407-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Zoe Moon ◽

Mira Zuchowski ◽

Rona Moss-Morris ◽

Myra S. Hunter ◽

Sam Norton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Mobile Devices ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Social Deprivation ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

Widespread Access ◽

The Relationship ◽

Questionnaire Pack

Abstract Background The number of e-health interventions developed for breast cancer survivors continues to increase. However, issues with engagement and retention are common. This study aimed to explore e-health literacy rates and access to smartphones and tablets in a large sample of breast cancer survivors. Methods In study 1, women were recruited from outpatient breast clinics across England and Wales. Eligible women were asked to complete a questionnaire pack to assess their access to devices and their e-health literacy. Multiple regression analyses were run to assess the relationship between technology access and e-health literacy with sociodemographic variables such as age, social deprivation, and education. Study 2 presents a smaller sample recruited through social media who answered a questionnaire relating to use of mobile devices and e-health, and apps. Results Two thousand nine women participated in the study. Seventy-one percent had access to a smartphone, 54% had access to a tablet, and 20% did not have access to either device. Multiple logistic regressions showed that women who were younger, had higher levels of education, and who were from less deprived areas were more likely to have access to either device. Poorer e-health literacy was associated with being older, having less education, and not having access to a mobile device. Conclusions Whilst the results show relatively widespread access to mobile devices, there is evidence of a digital divide across some groups. Online interventions should be developed with consideration of individuals who are less e-health-literate and less technologically adept in order to increase the likelihood of engagement.

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