Psychosocial Distress Among Cancer Patients: A Concept Analysis

To evaluate the literature to clarify the concept of psychosocial distress and to conceptualize it in cancer patients.

The Walker and Avant concept analysis approach was applied for this review. A comprehensive search of studies published from inception to March 2024 was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, utilizing the PRISMA 2020 reporting checklist. Additional studies were included by manually reviewing the reference lists from relevant research. A total of 5,941 studies were identified in the initial search, and 36 articles were ultimately included for further analysis and synthesis.

Four attributes of psychosocial distress in terms of cancer were identified: role dysfunction, negative self-perception, disrupted daily life, and unpleasant emotion. Antecedents of psychosocial distress were cancer-related stress and the inability to cope. The consequences were identified as negative health-related behaviors and unhealthy outcomes.

The four identified attributes of psychosocial distress in cancer patients provide healthcare providers with a more comprehensive framework for assessment and recognition than existing instruments, which often focus only on anxiety and depression. It will aid researchers and healthcare providers in understanding the concept, guiding the development of suitable assessment instruments and the design of targeted psychosocial interventions.

Through clarifying the concept, this study may enhance health professional's understanding of the nature of psychosocial distress and improve their awareness of periodically assessing and managing individuals' psychosocial distress.