Negative support of significant others affects psychological adjustment in breast cancer patients

Abstract

Significant others play an important role in providing support in patients’ lives, but some types of support negatively affect the patients. This study was conducted in early-stage breast cancer patients to examine the structure of support, which was provided by their significant others and assessed negatively by the patients, and to identify negative support relating to the psychological adjustment of these patients. Thus, we first conducted interviews among 28 breast cancer patients to identify these support items assessed as negative; next, we conducted a questionnaire survey using the resulting items in 109 postoperative patients who had early-stage breast cancer. We performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and obtained a valid second-order factor structure, including superordinate factors (excessive engagement, avoidance of problems and underestimation) and subordinate factors (overprotection, encouragement and management). Among these factors, the avoidance of problems was the only factor to be negatively associated with psychological adjustment of the patients, suggesting that these patients receive problem-avoiding support. The results of our study suggest that such problem-avoiding support from significant others can be counter-productive and potentially worsen the psychological adjustment of breast cancer patients.

Keywords:

• negative support
• breast cancer patient
• significant other
• psychological adjustment

Acknowledgements

This study included survey data from a multinational comparative study in Japan. This study was on the quality of life of breast cancer patients (Shim et al., 2006). This study also involved collaborative research with Ms. Aki Ohashi, Mr. Atsushi Sugimura, Ms. Kei Yoshimoto and Ms. Miho Okunaka (Osaka University). We express our sincerest gratitude to all the people mentioned above.