Study finds positive psychology can help alleviate some colorectal cancer symptoms

The results of a recent study showed that positive psychology can help with symptom management and quality of life for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

As treatments evolve and improve, colorectal cancer patients are living longer, making factors such as symptom management and quality of life even more important.¹ Positive psychology can be helpful for patients as they process their diagnoses and treatments, and can involve techniques such as profit-seeking and post-traumatic growth.

Studies have confirmed that patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk for mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, especially if follow-up is longer than 1 year. Interestingly, when colorectal cancer patients were followed up within a year, they had a significantly higher risk of mood and anxiety disorders, but a lower risk of depressive disorders compared to healthy controls.²

In the trial, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 117 colorectal cancer survivors at a cancer center designed by the National Cancer Institute. Data was collected using a demographic questionnaire, a therapy-related symptom checklist, a quality of life inventory, and positive psychology was assessed using the Carver Benefits Research Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.¹ Their objective was to determine whether positive psychology moderates the relationship between symptoms and quality of life during acute cancer survivorship.³

According to the study results, the most common symptoms were peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, skin changes, trouble sleeping and weakness. Symptoms of psychological distress were reported in 38.46% of participants and moderate to high levels of positive psychology and quality of life were reported during acute cancer survivorship.¹

Significant relationships were observed between quality of life and number of symptoms, symptoms of psychological distress, profit seeking, posttraumatic growth and positive psychology. Importantly, positive psychological symptoms partially influenced the relationship between frequency and quality of life.¹

According to the study, participants reported high quality of life and moderate to high positive psychology. Nineteen symptoms and 5 symptom clusters were inversely related to quality of life, but positive psychology moderated the relationship between quality of life and symptom onset, symptom severity, and generalized symptom cluster (weakness , fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, sleep disturbances and sleep disturbances). pain).³

Based on these findings, the authors concluded that colorectal cancer survivors respond positively to their cancer and treatment. Additionally, positive psychology partially mediates the relationship between symptom frequency and quality of life through acute cancer survival. Identifying how survivors are coping with their cancer can also help healthcare providers provide appropriate self-management skills.¹

THE REFERENCES

1. Sheikh-Wu S, Anglade D, Gattamorta K, Xiao C, and Downs C. Positive psychology mediates the relationship between symptom frequency and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors during acute cancer survival. Eur J Oncol Nurses. Jun 2022;58;102136. doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102136.
2. Lutz R. Depression in patients with colorectal cancer should be monitored. Pharmacy hours. May 11, 2017. Accessed December 16, 2022. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/depression-in-colorectal-cancer-patients-needs-to-be-monitored
3. Sheikh-Wu S, Anglade D, Gattamorta K, Downs C. Relationships between positive psychology, symptoms, and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors. Res Nursing Clinic. 2023 Jan,32(1):171-184. doi:10.1177/10547738221113385