Correlation of Rumination Patterns with Depression and Social Support among Preoperative Cancer Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the rumination patterns of preoperative cancer patients and the correlation with depression and social support.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 101 preoperative cancer patients diagnosed with digestive or thoracic cancer, aged 20 to 64 years, who were hospitalized in cancer cooperation hospitals (Hospital A). We assessed rumination patterns (Expanded Response Styles Questionnaire), social support (Social Support Scale by Fukuoka, 2000), depression (CES-D), and basic attributions using paper-pen surveys. We calculated two rumination patterns, t-tests between each scale, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We also performed a t-test on the relationship between rumination and depression for social support and its sub-items.

Results: The study had a 90.2% survey recovery rate and 100% valid response rate. A correlation was found between negative ruminative introspection and CES-D, but the correlation between facing the fact of rumination and CES-D was not significant. A significant correlation was found between facing the fact of rumination and having social support. When no rumination was observed, social support in the form of advice was associated with CES-D reduction. However, when facing the fact of rumination was recognized, the score of depression was increased by concrete actions. Additionally, in negative ruminative introspection, social support is not effective in reducing CES-D and requires mental support at the early stage of diagnosis.

Conclusion: In preoperative cancer patients, a correlation was shown between negative ruminative introspection and depressive symptom. Regarding the patterns of each ruminant, need for support varied.