No abstract

Background: Ego-strength refers to the individual’s psychosocial capacity to self-regulate their emotions in the face of stress, developed over the course of the lifespan. Ego-strength may have an important role in understanding psychological adaptation to cancer, especially when considering the effects of emotional suppression in cancer populations. In the present study, we examined the effects of ego-strength and emotional suppression on depression and anxiety in patients coping with cancer. We also tested whether ego-strength may mediate the relationship between emotional suppression and psychological distress in cancer. Methods: 120 cancer patients were recruited from a private hospital in Tabriz to complete baseline questionnaires. Depression, anxiety, ego-strength and emotional suppression were assessed by BDI-II, BAI, PIES and WAI respectively. Mediation models were tested using structural equation modeling, controlling for age and gender. Results: Emotional suppression was positively associated with depression and anxiety, and negatively associated with ego-strength. Ego-strength was negatively associated with depression and anxiety. Ego-strength partially mediated the relationship between emotional suppression and depression, and fully mediated the relationship between emotional suppression and anxiety. Conclusion: Ego-strength may help prevent the onset or unfavorable course of depression and anxiety in cancer patients.