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Outlook and adaptation in advanced cancer: a systematic review
Author(s) -
O'Brien Charlotte Wattebot,
Moorey Stirling
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.1704
Subject(s) - adaptation (eye) , cancer , medicine , psychology , neuroscience
‘Fighting spirit’ in early‐stage cancer comprises optimism about prognosis, a belief that the disease and/or its effects are controllable, and a determination to cope with the situation using various active coping methods. It is associated with better adjustment. In advanced cancer, the usefulness of this coping style is contentious. This systematic review identified eight studies that investigated these qualities in advanced cancer. They provided some evidence that positive attitude and self‐efficacy may be associated with better emotional adjustment; active, problem‐focused coping appears to be adaptive and avoidant coping maladaptive. However, major methodological flaws make any conclusions highly speculative. Further research in this area using larger samples and longitudinal design is required. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.