Mood disturbance in community cancer support groups. The role of emotional suppression and fighting spirit.
OBJECTIVE
In this cross-sectional study, we tested whether the coping styles of emotional suppression and fighting spirit were associated with mood disturbance in cancer patients participating in professionally led community-based support groups even when demographic, medical, and group support variables were taken into account.


METHODS
A heterogeneous sample of 121 cancer patients (71% female, 29% male) completed the Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS), the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (Mini-MAC), a measure of perceived group support, and the Profile of Mood States (POMS).


RESULTS
Consistent with hypotheses, lower emotional suppression and greater adoption of a fighting spirit, in addition to older age and higher income, were associated with lower mood disturbance. Gender, time since diagnosis, presence of metastatic disease, time in the support group, perceived group support, cognitive avoidance, and fatalism were unrelated to mood disturbance.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of negative affect and an attitude of realistic optimism may enhance adjustment and reduce distress for cancer patients in support groups.
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. matthew.cordova@med.va.gov
Matthew J
MJ
Cordova
Janine
J
Giese-Davis
Mitch
M
Golant
Carol
C
Kronnenwetter
Vickie
V
Chang
Sarah
S
McFarlin
David
D
Spiegel
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010551:Personality; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012657:Self-Help Groups