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. 2010 Feb;39(1):79-90.
doi: 10.1007/s12160-010-9160-1.

Direct and buffering effects of social support among gynecologic cancer survivors

Kristen M Carpenter  1 , Jeffrey M Fowler, G Larry Maxwell, Barbara L Andersen
Affiliations

Direct and buffering effects of social support among gynecologic cancer survivors

Kristen M Carpenter et al. Ann Behav Med. 2010 Feb.

Abstract

Background: There are few studies of QoL among long-term gynecologic cancer survivors; available data suggest significant sequelae of disease and treatment. Research clarifying circumstances that improve difficult survivorship trajectories is lacking.

Purpose: The present study examines whether social support moderates the relationship between physical functioning and psychological outcomes by testing the stress-buffering hypothesis.

Methods: Participants (N = 260) were gynecologic cancer survivors (cervical, n = 47; endometrial, n = 133; ovarian, n = 69; vulvar, n = 11). Compromised physical health was conceptualized as multidimensional. Social support (SNI, PSS-Fa, PSS-Fr, ISEL) was tested as a buffer of adverse psychological outcomes (IES-R, CES-D).

Results: Results for traumatic stress provided evidence for buffering; whereas social support was of general benefit for depressive symptoms. Effects varied by source and type of support.

Conclusions: These results suggest that circumstances for gynecologic cancer survivors burdened with physical symptoms may be worse for those with fewer support resources, providing needed insight into a common target of psychosocial interventions for cancer survivors.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Predicting Traumatic Stress Using Low vs. High ISEL scores.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Predicting Depressive Symptoms Using Low vs. High ISEL scores.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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