The Developmental Trajectory of Learned Helplessness in Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Patients: A Longitudinal Study...

This study aimed to examine the trajectory of learned helplessness in breast cancer chemotherapy patients using latent growth curve models. It also analyzed how chemotherapy regimen, age, education, and social support influence changes in helplessness.

From October 2024 to June 2025, a total of 206 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at two tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China, were enrolled as study participants using the convenience sampling method. Participants were assessed at four time points: prior to chemotherapy and after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th cycles, using the Learned Helplessness Scale and the Social Support Rating Scale. Latent growth models were employed for analysis.

Learned helplessness increased linearly among patients, with individuals starting at lower levels showing faster growth. Significant individual differences were found in both baseline levels and rates of change. Patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy showed a faster rate of helplessness increase compared to those on non-anthracycline regimens, although there was no significant difference in their initial levels. Younger patients had higher initial helplessness levels than older patients, but age did not affect the rate of change. Lower educational levels were associated with higher initial helplessness, but education did not influence the rate of change. Higher social support significantly reduced helplessness.

Learned helplessness in breast cancer chemotherapy patients increases linearly with notable individual differences. These findings suggest that healthcare providers should develop targeted interventions based on patients' trajectories and influencing factors to reduce helplessness.