Variability and stability of coping in women with breast cancer

It is examined whether coping reactions of women with a first manifestation of non-metastatic breast cancer are stable over time. It will be further determined whether there is a pattern in coping processes. Also predictors of coping variability will be identified, with the overall aim to evaluate the relevance of repeated coping measurement.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted twice with 254 breast cancer patients at baseline shortly after breast cancer surgery and again approximately 12 months later. Data pertaining to coping behaviour were collected and successively evaluated according to a standardized coping manual, the Hannover Coping Manual (HCM). Analyses of variance were used to examine the stability of HCM-coping dimensions as well as socio-demographic effects.

Emotional coping responses remained stable over time, while various dimensions associated with cognitive coping showed considerable variability. Chemotherapy turned out to have the strongest effects on coping.

The findings of this prospective study are emphasizing the use of repeated coping assessments. They also underline the importance of social support for adaptive coping and point to the necessity of patient empowerment, especially in women receiving chemotherapy.