The Relationship of Social Support, Psychological, and Physical States among Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe social support among women with breast cancer and to investigate the relationship of social support, psychological, and physical states. A cross-sectional study was designed. A convenient sample of 113 women with breast cancer, who were no less than 6 months and no more than 5 years after breast surgery and who were receiving follow-up care at the Outpatient Breast Clinic at one cancer center, participated in the study. The Japanese versions of the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Relationship Inventory, and the 60-item General Health Questionnaire were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple regression analyses were performed. The analyses indicated there were positive correlations between marital status and social support variables, such as Aid (r＝ .25 ; p＜ .01 ; r²＝ .06) and Total Functional (r＝ .20 ; p＜ .05 ; r²＝ .04). Also, Conflict, one social support variable, had a positive correlation with psychological states (r＝30 ; p＜ .01 ; r²＝ .09). However, there was no significant correlation between these social support variables and physical states. The set of social support variables (i.e., Conflict, Total Support, and Reciprocity) predicted psychological states (R＝ .3372 ; R²＝ .1137 ; F＝4.2768 p＝ .0069). Moreover, their sources of social support were mainly family members, relatives, and friends, including other breast cancer patients. These significant correlations revealed that social support should be considered as an important factor to help women's adjustment to breast cancer. Reconsideration for concept of social support and recommendations for practice were discussed. Further research was proposed.