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To what extent does meaning mediate adaptation to cancer? The relationship between physical suffering, meaning in life, and connection to others in adjustment to cancer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 October 2007

Carrie Lethborg ,
Sanchia Aranda ,
Shelley Cox  and
David Kissane
Carrie Lethborg*
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
Sanchia Aranda
Affiliation:
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and School of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Shelley Cox
Affiliation:
Independent researcher
David Kissane
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
*
Corresponding author: Carrie Lethborg, Oncology Department, St. Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, 3104. E-mail: carrie.lethborg@svhm.org.au
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Abstract

Objectives:

This study builds on previous work that explored the lived experience of meaning in advanced cancer. The aims were to explore the associations of suffering (physical and existential distress) and coping (via social support) with psychological distress and global meaning using a battery of instruments among adults attending an Australian metropolitan cancer service (n = 100).

Methods:

The contribution of suffering and coping via social support to psychological distress and meaning were examined using a variety of statistical methods. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to further examine relative contributions to both psychological distress and global meaning.

Results:

Physical and existential distress were found to be positively associated with psychological distress whereas high social support and personal meaning are related to lower levels of psychological distress. Social support was the strongest correlate of global meaning whereas high levels of existential distress were related to lower levels of global meaning. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that the factors related to suffering clearly promote psychological distress, and the reverse is true for global meaning for those living with cancer.

Significance of results:

This study speaks to the clinical complexity of the dynamic experience of suffering and meaning in cancer. We need to better understand the impact of physical suffering and meaning in the lives of this population and to actively work toward the enhancement of social support and connection with others for this group. Optimal palliative and family-centered care blended with therapies that promote a sense of meaning of life lived appear crucial to ameliorate suffering.

Keywords

MeaningAdjustment to cancerSufferingPalliative careSocial support
Type
Research Article
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 5 , Issue 4 , December 2007 , pp. 377 - 388
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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