Positive psychological capital and social support mediate the association between perceived stress and fear of disease progression in postoperative lung cancer patients

Positive psychological capital and social support mediate the association between perceived stress and fear of disease progression in postoperative lung cancer patients. Download PDF Abstract Fear of disease progression (FoP) is a major unmet psychosocial need among patients with lung cancer following surgery. Although perceived stress is associated with FoP, the underlying psychosocial mechanisms remain unclear.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 284 patients with lung cancer within one week after surgery at a tertiary cancer hospital in Zhejiang Province, China. Participants completed a general information questionnaire, the short form of the FoP Questionnaire (FoP-Q-SF), the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), the Universal Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Data were analyzed using the bruceR package in R, corresponding to PROCESS Model 6.

Positive psychological capital, social support, perceived stress, and FoP were all directly and significantly correlated. Mediation analysis showed three statistically significant indirect pathways linking perceived stress to FoP.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical decisions and treatment options.