Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between perceived social support and sociodemographic variables on coping strategies.
Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 404 women with resected, non-metastatic breast cancer. Participants completed questionnaires: perceived social support (MSPSS), coping strategies (Mini-MAC), and psychological distress (BSI-18).
Results: Sociodemographic factors as age, education, and partnership status were associated with coping strategies. As for maladaptive strategies, hopelessness was more frequent in older people and lower educational level; fatalism in older and single people, and cognitive avoidance was associated with lower educational level. Suppor t from family, friends, and partners was associated with a greater fighting spirit. In contrast, high psychological distress (anxiety and depression) was associated with greater use of maladaptive strategies.
Conclusion: Young people, a high level of education, having a partner, low psychological distress, and seeking social support were associated with the use of adaptive cancer coping strategies.
Keywords: Adaptative strategy; Age; Breast cancer; Coping; Psychological distress; Social support.
© 2021. Federación de Sociedades Españolas de Oncología (FESEO).