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The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and death anxiety among Chinese cancer patients: the serial
Furong Chen1,2, Meijun Ou1, Zhirui Xiao2
1The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
BMC Psychiatry
|June 4, 2024
Summary
Fear of cancer recurrence directly and indirectly increases death anxiety in Chinese patients. Experiential avoidance and meaning in life mediate this relationship, highlighting key psychological distress factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a prevalent psychological distress among cancer survivors.
- Death anxiety (DA) significantly impacts patients' quality of life and treatment adherence.
- Understanding the interplay between FCR, DA, and mediating factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fear of cancer recurrence and death anxiety in Chinese cancer patients.
- To examine the mediating roles of experiential avoidance (EA) and meaning in life (MIL) in the FCR-DA relationship.
- To elucidate the psychological mechanisms underlying death anxiety in cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 436 newly diagnosed cancer patients in Hunan Province, China.
- Validated questionnaires were used to assess FCR, DA, EA, and MIL.
- Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and serial mediation analysis, were performed using SPSS and Hayes' PROCESS macro.
Main Results:
- Fear of cancer recurrence showed a significant direct effect on death anxiety.
- Experiential avoidance and meaning in life each partially mediated the FCR-DA association.
- A serial mediation pathway through MIL and EA was also identified, underscoring complex psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Fear of cancer recurrence is a significant predictor of death anxiety in Chinese cancer patients.
- Experiential avoidance and meaning in life are critical mediators in this relationship.
- Interventions addressing FCR, EA, and MIL may help alleviate death anxiety in cancer patients.
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