Demoralization and Depression in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Validation of the German Version of the Demoralization Scale

Abstract

Results provide further evidence that the DS is a valid and reliable instrument of high clinical relevance in patients with advanced cancer.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Demoralization and Depression in Patients With Cancer

“…In each of the five studies, the correlation design was stated and five articles clearly described the representativeness of the exposed cohort. 1,2,10,18,23 Four of the five articles, thus the majority, clearly described the comparability of cohorts on the basis of the design or analysis and self-report. 2,10,18,23 One of the five studies did not clearly describe the reason for sample dropout.…”

“…Most participants were patients with advanced cancer. In addition to depression, the research variables of the 5 studies that explored relevant factors of demoralization included psychological concepts such as anxiety, 23 hopelessness, 1,2,10 desire for death, 2,10,18 and comfort. 18 Of the 5 studies, four employed the same Demoralization Scale (DS) to measure demoralization concepts.…”

“…18 Of the 5 studies, four employed the same Demoralization Scale (DS) to measure demoralization concepts. 1,2,10,23 Four studies employed a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) to measure the depression concept, 1,2,10,23 whereas the fifth used the DCPR as the standard for diagnosing psychosomatic disorders in patients. 18 …”

Dimensionality, Stability, and Validity of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in Cancer Patients Receiving Curative and Palliative Treatment

“…25 Moreover, the Demoralization Scale is a measure specifically developed for use in patients with advanced cancer, assessing the demoralization syndrome as an expression of existential distress and has shown good psychometric qualities. 41,42 Limitations In comparison to the original dichotomously rated BHS, the German BHS uses a Likert-scale format. Different response categories can influence the psychometric properties of scales.…”

Receiving Palliative Treatment Moderates the Effect of Age and Gender on Demoralization in Patients with Cancer

“…Results regarding age, gender, and treatment phase are inconsistent, however. Positive [16], negative [12], [17], [19], or no associations with age [15], [20] were found. Most studies found no gender differences [12], [15], [16], [20], except for one study [17].…”