Social Support and Psychological Capital in Older Adults with Esophageal and Gastric Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gastrointestinal cancers impose a significant psychological burden on older adults by depleting crucial personal resources. While social support is a known buffer against distress, its specific association with psychological capital (PsyCap) in this population, particularly after the completion of primary treatment, remains under-investigated. This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceived social support and PsyCap (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) in this patient group.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, between July and December 2024. The sample included 310 adults aged ≥60 years with non-metastatic esophageal or gastric cancer. Crucially, all participants were assessed during their follow-up phase, 3-12 months after completing their primary treatment (surgery and/or chemo/radiotherapy). Data were collected using the MacGee Psychological Capital Questionnaire (26 items) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS, 22 items), and analyzed using correlation and multiple linear regression.

A significant positive correlation was found between overall perceived social support and psychological capital (r = 0.380, p < 0.01). PsyCap levels were moderate (mean = 71.21), with hope and resilience as the strongest components. Notably, support from friends was rated higher than support from family. Continued engagement in part-time work was a significant predictor of both higher social support and PsyCap.

In this post-treatment cohort, higher perceived social support is associated with greater psychological capital. However, due to the cross-sectional design, these findings should be interpreted as state-dependent, hypothesis-generating data rather than evidence for definitive clinical recommendations. Future longitudinal studies are essential to establish causality and to inform targeted supportive care interventions.

Findings suggest that nursing interventions aimed at assessing and strengthening social networks, particularly friendships, and encouraging meaningful engagement like part-time work, may be beneficial for bolstering the psychological resources of older cancer survivors in their recovery phase.