Emotionally expressive coping predicts psychological and physical adjustment to breast cancer.

Abstract

This study tested the hypothesis that coping through emotional approach, which involves actively processing and expressing emotions, enhances adjustment and health status for breast cancer patients. Patients (n = 92) completed measures within 20 weeks following medical treatment and 3 months later. Women who, at study entry, coped through expressing emotions surrounding cancer had fewer medical appointments for cancer-related morbidities, enhanced physical health and vigor, and decreased distress during the next 3 months compared with those low in emotional expression, with age, other coping strategy scores, and initial levels on dependent variables (except medical visits) controlled statistically. Expressive coping also was related to improved quality of life for those who perceived their social contexts as highly receptive. Coping through emotional processing was related to one index of greater distress over time. Analyses including dispositional hope suggested that expressive coping may serve as a successful vehicle for goal pursuit.

Anger and shame elicited by discrimination: Moderating role of coping on action endorsements and salivary cortisol

“…Although the latter finding was not anticipated, it might be considered that engagement coping not only comprised behaviors such as self-blame and rumination, but also included the expression of one's emotions. It is possible that when shamed individuals have a propensity to reflect, consider, and express or vent their emotions, they are better able to diminish the distress associated with the experience (Stanton et al, 2000). In any case, it appears that shame is a powerful emotion associated with elevated cortisol levels, but these effects can be offset, provided that individuals are able to mount a coping response consistent with their own skills and propensities.…”

“…To be sure, coping strategies vary across situations, but stylistic differences of coping might influence appraisals of an event, and in so doing would moderate subsequent emotions and actions. As noted earlier, a problem-focused orientation may be associated with feelings of empowerment to deal with a discriminatory situation (Matheson & Cole, 2004;van Zomeren et al, 2004), whereas an emotion-focused orientation might heighten sensitivity to emotion-relevant cues (Stanton et al, 2000). For example, when anger predominated, the manipulation of emotion-focused coping (either emotional expression or suppression) resulted in greater endorsements of confrontational actions (Gill & Matheson, 2006).…”

“…Hence, group members who endorse this coping style may feel empowered and demonstrate a greater propensity to confront their discriminatory situation (Matheson & Cole, 2004;van Zomeren et al, 2004). In contrast, individuals with an emotion-focused orientation (e.g., ruminating about or expressing one's emotions, or making efforts to contain one's emotions) may be more sensitive to emotion-relevant cues (Stanton et al, 2000), including potential threats to the self (Matheson & Cole, 2004). Thus, an emotion-focused orientation might facilitate efforts to regulate or manage the distress associated with particular emotions, rather than to confront the situation.…”

Promoting adjustment after treatment for cancer

“…Stanton and colleagues 1,36 have conducted two studies focusing on the reentry phase in patients with early-stage breast cancer. In the first study, 36 they followed 92 patients with breast cancer from shortly after treatment completion through 3 months, with an additional assessment at 1 year.…”

“…In the first study, 36 they followed 92 patients with breast cancer from shortly after treatment completion through 3 months, with an additional assessment at 1 year. It was hypothesized that approach-oriented coping strategies (i.e., coping directed toward active engagement with the stressor, such as planning, problem-solving, emotional expression, and positive reappraisal) would promote enhanced physical and psychological health across time.…”