Fear of Palliative Care: Roles of Age and Depression Severity

Emotional distress predicts palliative cancer care attitudes: The unique role of anger

“…This is the first known empirical investigation to examine the influence of anger on palliative care attitudes. Prior research has found that anxiety and depression independently predict more negative attitudes toward palliative care, 10,13,14 and this study expands upon that work by considering their simultaneous effects—alongside anger—on emotional, cognitive, and behavioral palliative care attitudes among those with heterogeneous cancer diagnoses. Findings suggest that anger in particular may discourage interest in palliative care, especially in terms of readiness to accept palliative care referrals and attend appointments.…”

“…8,9 This underutilization may be partially due to unfamiliarity, misinformation, and negative associations with this form of care. [9][10][11] Emotionally distressed patients may be particularly prone to holding these unfavorable associations, as distress can foster negative interpretations of ambiguous or unfamiliar stimuli like the concept of palliative care. 12 Such interpretations may engender negative emotions around palliative care, like fear or helplessness.…”

“…Prior research suggests that two commonly examined domains of emotional distress-depression and anxiety-are associated with less favorable attitudes toward palliative care. 10,13,14 However, these studies are limited conceptually in that none incorporated the third widely accepted domain of emotional distress-anger. [16][17][18] People often feel anger in response to frustration and pain, 18,19 common experiences in cancer, and anger can detrimentally affect attitudes, communication, relationships, and care utilization.…”

“…Research has shown its efficacy in improving patients' physical and psychological well‐being and overall quality of life, yet palliative care is significantly underutilized 8,9 . This underutilization may be partially due to unfamiliarity, misinformation, and negative associations with this form of care 9–11 . Emotionally distressed patients may be particularly prone to holding these unfavorable associations, as distress can foster negative interpretations of ambiguous or unfamiliar stimuli like the concept of palliative care 12 .…”

“…Prior research suggests that two commonly examined domains of emotional distress—depression and anxiety—are associated with less favorable attitudes toward palliative care 10,13,14 . However, these studies are limited conceptually in that none incorporated the third widely accepted domain of emotional distress—anger 16–18 .…”