Emotional Intelligence as A Predictor of Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the predictive role of emotional intelligence (EI) and its elements for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) dimensions in a sample of breast cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a single oncology clinic at a university hospital. A sample of breast cancer survivors ( n = 180) completed three questionnaires: Short-Form Health Survey SF-36 (the RAND 36-item) with 8 dimensions; Cyberia Shrink EI Test (with five elements); and demographic Characteristics. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). A series of multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: EI was a predictor for two dimensions of HRQoL components in survivors: mental (β = 0.45, P < 0.001); and physical (β = 0.27, P < 0.001). However, it was a better predictor for the mental HRQoL than for physical. More specifically, several elements of EI, including self-motivation, self-awareness, and self-control, demonstrated significant variance with a medium effect for prediction of dimensions of HRQoL. “Self-motivation” (β = 0.27, P < 0.001) and “self-awareness” (β = 0.29, P < 0.01) together were the best predictors of the variances of survivors’ “general health” ( R 2 = 28%). “Self-motivation” (β = 0.39, P < 0.001), and “self-control” (β = 0.19, P < 0.05), also together, were the best predictors of the variances of survivors’ “emotional well-being” ( R 2 = 28%). Conclusions: Educational intervention programs should be planned by concentrating on special elements of EI, including self-motivation, self-awareness and self-control, to improve HRQoL dimensions in breast cancer survivors.

The Key Role of Emotional Repair and Emotional Clarity on Depression among Breast Cancer Survivors

“…As stated above, in the oncological field, it has been demonstrated that the difficulty of regulating emotions is associated with greater emotional distress and depression. Likewise, adequate levels of emotional repair act as a protective element in adverse contexts, being related to greater adaptation to the disease [27,28]. In addition, it has been found that older women tend to pay less attention to their emotions [29], which can stimulate the appearance of negative emotional states and depressive symptoms [9,23].…”

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Motivation to Participate in a Tailored Physical and Psychological Intervention: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

“…Interestingly, motives and outcomes related to psychological well-being do not change before and after intervention. This evidence shows that breast cancer survivors are strongly self-aware about their psychological needs, which may be useful in order to improve tailored and appropriate interventions [ 41 ]. Finally, taking time for themselves could be related to the need to take care of oneself, which is important for psychological well-being after a cancer experience in a first-centered and holistic view [ 42 ].…”

Predictors of emotional intelligence among family caregivers of cancer patients: A cross‐sectional study

“…It is described as having the ability to process emotional information, such as recognizing, creating, and controlling emotions, data on how to express emotions in oneself and others, and information on how to manage emotions for emotional development. Finding strategies to manage and adapt to one's own and other people's feelings is a crucial component of emotional intelligence 8 . Features of emotional intelligence play a critical role in overcoming stressful situations and carrying out good interpersonal interactions with family patients.…”

“…Wong and Law's emotional intelligence questionnaire (2002) consists of 16 items and includes four dimensions: evaluation and expression (1-4); emotional understanding and analysis(5)(6)(7)(8); use of emotions to facilitate thought(9)(10)(11)(12); and emotional regulation(13- 16). A 5-point Likert scale was assigned scores (1 = completely opposed, 5 = completely agree).…”