Determinants of psychological functioning in patients undergoing radiotherapy: a descriptive study

This study sought to confirm the literature reports on psychological well-being during radiotherapy treatment using a population across multiple clinical sites, resulting in a larger population (N = 156) than has typically been followed in quality of life descriptive studies of radiotherapy, and a more varied one in terms of diagnosis. This study is unique in its individual differences perspective, whereby it aimed to identify those demographic variables that predict baseline levels of psychological distress as well as changes in distress during treatment. The data used were the control data from a previous study assessing the effectiveness of a stress management intervention. Participants completed the SF-36, STAI-S, and CES-D scales at baseline and after Weeks 1, 2, and 3 of treatment. Consistent with prior studies, this study found that, on average, patients began with a low level of psychological distress, as indicated by the scale norms. However, this study found considerable variation in anxiety levels, with some patients beginning treatment with a relatively high level of anxiety. For those with relatively high levels of baseline anxiety, anxiety decreased during treatment. A patient's baseline psychological distress level was predicted by marital status, diagnosis, gender, education level, and income range. In addition, cancer type, income level, and education level predicted changes in distress levels over treatment.