Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Social Cognitive Processing in Partners of Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives To determine 1) if depressive symptoms in partners of long-term breast cancer survivors (BCS) could be predicted by social cognitive processing theory, and 2) if partners of younger and older breast cancer survivors were differentially affected by the cancer experience. Design A cross-sectional, descriptive study utilizing self-report questionnaires. Setting Indiana University and 97 ECOG-ACRIN sites. Sample Partners of breast cancer survivors (n=508) diagnosed 3–8 years prior. Methods Secondary data mediation analyses were conducted to determine if cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms. Age-related differences on all scales were tested. Main Research Variables Depressive symptoms; secondary variables included social constraints, cognitive processing (avoidance and intrusive thoughts), and potentially confounding variables. Findings Cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms for partners (F(5,498) = 19.911, R2=.167, p<.001). Partners of young BCS reported worse outcomes on all measures than partners of older breast cancer survivors Conclusions As predicted by the social cognitive processing theory, cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, partners of younger BCS fared worse on social constraints, intrusive thoughts and depressive symptoms than partners of older BCS. Implications for Nursing Results provide support for using the social cognitive processing theory in intervention design with partners of long-term BCS to decrease depressive symptoms.

The Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments in Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Breast cancer shows high a comorbidity rate, with mental distress [8,9], anxiety and affective disorders [8,10], depression [11,12], and chronic fatigue and decreased social interactions being common responses to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment [13][14][15]. Moreover, women with a primary breast cancer diagnosis remain vulnerable to psychological disorders for many years [16][17][18][19], highlighting the high impact of this medical condition in the quality of life of the patients.…”

Factors associated with self‐reported history of depression diagnosis among cancer survivors aged 18 years and over in the United States

“…Since the experience of people having cancer involves so many upsetting events, it is impossible to single out one cause of depression . Depressive experiences may derive from upsetting physical or psychological circumstances or from one's interpretation of circumstances associated with being diagnosed with cancer …”

“…The results regarding significant differences in marital status with respect to self-reported history of depression diagnosis were consistent with previous studies 24,25 and could best be explained by considering physical, psychological, and social aspects together 26 Monitoring the well-being of the caregiver spouse may not only improve their physical health but may also improve the mental health of the cancer patient. 24,27 Social support is also essential to the well-being and quality of life of cancer survivors. Comfort expressing cancer-related thoughts/feelings to friends and family and belonging to social networks play a key role.…”

“…26 Depressive experiences may derive from upsetting physical or psychological circumstances or from one's interpretation of circumstances associated with being diagnosed with cancer. 27…”

Social correlates of mental health in gastrointestinal cancer patients and their family caregivers: Exploring the role of loneliness

“…These social constraints may limit or prolong cognitive processing (i.e., intrusive thoughts and avoidance), leading to greater distress for both dyad members [13,15]. Indeed, positive correlations among intrusive thoughts, avoidance, and distress have been found in studies of cancer patients and caregivers [16,17].…”