Spousal support and illness acceptance in breast cancer patients: the mediating function of meaning in life and sense of coherence

Dariusz Krok

University of Opole, Institute of Psychology, Poland

Ewa Telka

The Maria Sklodowska-Curie Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology in Gliwice, Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2378-412X

Abstract

The explanation as to why married cancer patients are characterised by better adjustment to illness than unmarried patients is not fully understood. This article aims to investigate a parallel mediation effect of meaning in life and sense of coherence in the relationship of spousal support and illness acceptance in breast cancer patients. A total of 213 wo­men were included in this study. The Berlin Social Support Scales, the Personal Meaning Profile, the Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Acceptance of Life with the Disease Scale were used. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and mediation analysis were performed. The results showed significant correlations between spousal support, meaning in life, sense of coherence, and illness acceptance. Except for protective buffering support, meaning in life mediated spousal supports’ effect on illness acceptance. A sense of coherence mediated the relationship of perceived available support, actually received support, and protective buffering support in terms of illness acceptance. Meaning-based resources play a significant role in accepting the detrimental mental and physical consequences of breast cancer. Therefore, practitioners can incorporate these resources into rehabilitation programmes to improve adjustment to cancer.


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Published
2023-01-12

Cited by

Krok, D., & Telka, E. (2023). Spousal support and illness acceptance in breast cancer patients: the mediating function of meaning in life and sense of coherence. Family Forum, 12, 271–292. https://doi.org/10.25167/FF/4813

Authors

Dariusz Krok 

Dariusz Krok, Ph.D. in psychology, habilitation in psychology, habilitation in theology, currently working as University Professor at the Department of Health Psychology and Quality of Life, Institute of Psychology, Opole University. His current research concentrates on the domains of social psychology, personality psychology, and psychology of religion. He is author of a few books and a number of peer-review articles. At the moment he conducts research on coping strategies and well-being in clinical groups. Main focus is on: (1) relationships among personal resources, coping, and quality of life, (2) relations between religion and family, (2) the outcomes of coping with stress on adjustment to cancer among individuals and their families.

E-MAIL: dkrok@uni.opole.pl

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1034-0944


Authors

Ewa Telka 
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2378-412X

Ewa Telka, Ph.D. in medicine. Her academic work focuses on medical aspects of cancer, radiotherapy, palliative care, pain treatment, and health psychology. She has published a number of articles printed in academic journals, e.g. Psycho-Oncology, Journal of Religion and Health. Her research covers areas related to medical and psychological factors responsible for experiencing pain in cancer patients. She is currently working as Associate Professor at The Maria Sklodowska-Curie Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology in Gliwice, Poland.

E-MAIL: etelka@io.gliwice.pl

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2378-412X



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