Self-efficacy, perceived preparedness, and psychological distress in women completing primary treatment for breast cancer

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2010;28(3):269-90. doi: 10.1080/07347331003678352.

Abstract

The present analyses were conducted to examine demographic and clinical variables associated with mood and health-related distress in a sample of 440 women completing primary treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The authors' aim was to test the hypothesis that higher levels of self-efficacy and perceived preparedness for the end of treatment--the reentry phase--are associated with better mood and lower health-related distress in this sample. Women who had received chemotherapy and who were younger (<50 years) had significantly higher mood disturbance and health-related distress scores. Younger age, preparedness, and self-efficacy predicted 36% of the variance in mood disturbance scores. Self-efficacy and age predicted 26% of the variance in health-related distress. Although further research is needed, our findings suggest that self-efficacy and perceived preparedness represent important constructs to target in the development of interventions for women at the reentry transition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Young Adult