A Longitudinal Study of Quality of Life Among Lung Cancer Patients: the Role of Cognitive Predictors in Post-surgery Adaptation

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship among illness perception and self-efficacy and changes in quality of life in lung cancer, in the context of the mediation role of coping and posttraumatic growth. Methods: Data for the analysis were obtained from 102 patients. The measurement was conducted three times, 3-4 days after the surgery (Time 1), one month after the surgery (Time 2) and 4 months after the surgery (Time 3). Findings: Coping strategies based on emotion regulation (T1 and 2) serve as the main mediator between cognitive interpretations of disease (T1) and quality of life (T2 and 3). Coping strategies (T1 and 2) and factor of posttraumatic growth - a sense of personal power (T1 and 2) serve as the main mediator between the self-efficacy (T1) and quality of life (T2 and 3). The analyzed cognitions most frequently predicted such areas of quality of life as: physical functioning, functioning associated with symptoms, functioning associated with lung cancer symptoms and cognitive functioning. Discussion: The findings provide an insight into the key modifiable cognitions which may facilitate post-surgery adaptation and better quality of life.