Coping strategies and psychosocial resources among women living with metastatic breast cancer: A qualitative study

• Published in: Journal of psychosocial oncology Vol. 42; no. 3; pp. 381 - 397
• Main Authors: Noriega Esquives, Blanca S., Walsh, Emily A., Penedo, Frank J., Thomas, Jessica L., Horner, Fiona S., Torzewski, Joanna B., Gradishar, William J., Victorson, David E., Moreno, Patricia I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 2024; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - psychology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Cancer; Cancer Survivors - psychology; Cancer Survivors - statistics & numerical data; Cognition; Coping; Coping Skills; Coping strategies; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Metastasis; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Metastasis; psychological adaptation; Psychological distress; Qualitative Research; Social Support; survivorship; Women; survivorship; Breast cancer; coping strategies; metastasis; psychological adaptation
• ISSN: 0734-7332; 1540-7586
• DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2254754

Objective: Despite more women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), this population is underrepresented in cancer survivorship research. Few studies have assessed how women with MBC cope with their cancer experience. This qualitative study describes the coping strategies and psychosocial resources utilized by women living with MBC.Methods: Twenty-two women with MBC participated in four focus groups. Transcripts were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Codes derived from participants' responses were subsequently condensed into themes.Results: We identified 12 coping strategies and psychosocial resources and grouped them into five themes: Behavioral Coping Strategies (i.e. stress management, active coping and planning); Cognitive Coping Strategies and Psychological Resources (i.e. cognitive reappraisal, optimism, mindfulness, positive thinking, and religious coping); Existential Approach-Oriented Coping (i.e. acceptance, values-based living, and identity integration); Avoidance (i.e. avoidant coping); and Interpersonal Resources and Seeking Social Support (i.e. social support).Conclusions: Women living with MBC utilize several engagement and disengagement coping strategies, as well as intrapersonal and interpersonal resources. This study provides useful perspectives of women living with MBC that may inform the development of psychosocial interventions. Further research is needed to assess coping strategies and psychosocial resources across different subgroups of MBC patients and determine their impact on cancer outcomes.