The Mediating Role of Optimism and Pessimism on the Relationship between Spirituality and Depression among Elderly Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that spirituality has protective effects on depression. However, there are only few studies on the theoretical mechanism showing how spirituality effects on depression. Thus, to find mediating variables explaining the relationship between the spirituality and depression may help to develop appropriate program for reducing depression in elderly cancer patients. In this study, we examined the effect of optimism and pessimism as their mediating effects on depression. Methods: This study is to verify the relationships between spirituality and depression along with the mediating effects of optimism and pessimism among 600 South Korean elderly cancer patients who participated in a community-based study about their mental health. Results: Optimism and pessimism are linked with spirituality and depression. Higher spirituality levels were associated with increased optimistic thinking, and then optimistic thinking is associated with low possibility of depression, whereas lower spirituality levels were associated with more pessimistic thinking, and in turn pessimistic thinking is associated with high depression scores. Conclusions: Understanding optimism and pessimism affecting depression level is critical for developing spirituality-based programs to reduce depression in elderly cancer patients. Korean J Health Promot 2016;16(2):127-133

Optimism and social support as contributing factors to spirituality in Cancer patients

“…Prior studies, as well as this one, have associated optimism with meaning of life, spirituality, hope, subjective wellbeing, and resilience [19,37]. Greater spirituality was associated with high levels of optimism in oncology patients [38,39]. Moreover, the various degrees of optimism were linked to other coping strategies, such as fighting spirit, focusing on the positive, active acceptance, turning to religion, and social support, which improves wellbeing, psychosocial adjustment, and quality of life [40].…”