Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the coping strategies and factors affecting psychological adaptation among breast cancer patients with recurrence/metastasis in order to support their coping with cancer.
Methods: 64 women with breast cancer who were informed of a recurrence or metastasis completed a questionnaire comprised of the Japanese edition of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale, the 24-item version of the Tri-axial Coping Scale (TAC-24), and information pertaining to demographic variables. The patients' recognition of six supportive factors were obtained using a specially designed questionnaire. Data were subjected to univariate analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and covariance structure analysis in order to assess the above-mentioned factors.
Results and Conclusions: Significantly more patients with higher “Fighting Spirit” were found to use the “Affirmative interpretation” strategy, while significantly more patients with higher scores in “Helplessness/Hopelessness” used the “Abandonment/Resignation” strategy. “Peripheral neuropathy” and a “family relationship without an effective support function” were found to have negative effects on the patients' psychological adjustment. “Satisfaction with information” and “Consent for primary care” were support factors that strengthened “Affirmative interpretation.” Furthermore, these factors were both associated with “Trusting the nurse” and “Trusting the doctor” and had positive effects on the patients' psychological adjustment. Cancer patients have high stress levels and require systematized psychosocial intervention as a component of their long-term care following their initial diagnosis.
