Meaning in Life, Executive Function, and Coping Styles Among Chinese Patients in Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
https://doi.org/10.70228/YJHER2024020
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ABSTRACT
Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can experience various executive dysfunctions. It is crucial to understand how breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy can adapt to daily life successfully. This study reported findings on the meaning in life, coping styles, and executive function in breast cancer chemotherapy patients in a city in China. Participants totaling 139 Chinese volunteers of breast cancer chemotherapy patients participated in the study. The General Questionnaire, C-MLQ, BRIEF-A, and SCSQ were used to conduct a face-to-face survey. One-way ANOVA analysis was employed to examine the impact of profile variables on executive function. Mediation effect analysis was used to validate the mediating role of coping styles between meaning in life and executive function. The findings suggested that age and educational attainment significantly influence executive function. The GEC score of executive function was negatively correlated with the presence of meaning and positive coping styles and positively correlated with negative coping styles. The results also found that a high level of presence of meaning, directly and indirectly, influenced executive function by mediating positive coping styles. The study recommends improving patients' daily executive function by enhancing psychological care for patients, improving their meaning in life, and promoting positive coping strategies.
Keywords: meaning in life, executive function, coping styles, breast cancer, chemotherapy
Volume 11 Issue 2, 2023 EDITION
Published 2023
Editor's Note
Dear Readers, We are pleased to present the Volume 11, Issue 2 (2023) of the Journal of Higher Education Research. This issue brings together a diverse collection of studies that address significant topics in education, healthcare, and well-being, showcasing research that is both relevant and impactful. This issue includes studies that highlight the importance of psychosocial factors in learning and practice. Cao and Espinosa examine how parenting styles influence study engagement among vocational nursing students, with self-compassion potentially mediating this relationship. Meanwhile, Yanling and Garcia shed light on the factors contributing to death anxiety among ICU nurses, emphasizing the need for tailored mental health interventions to strengthen the self-efficacy of ICU nurses. Similarly, Xing and Lachica highlight the growing demand for death education, pointing on the necessity of preparing nursing students for end-of-life care. From the perspective of patient care, Wang and Dolendo investigate how the fear of movement, or kinesiophobia, physical exercise and self-efficacy affect patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, showcasing its impact on the quality of life of the patients. Chen and Cadena evaluate the effectiveness of a modified simulation tool to improve the skills of anesthesia nurses, emphasizing the value of hands-on training in healthcare. Mental health is another key theme in this issue. Li and Diva share the lived experiences of patients using nonpharmacological approaches to manage anxiety and depression related to chronic gastritis. This study proposes a model to assist the patients in developing appropriate behavioral adaptations and self-management skills and assess the effectiveness of strategies. Yang and Chua identify predictors of blood pressure in hypertensive patients, contributing to better hypertension management program. Lastly, two studies explore ways to enhance quality of life. Shen and Garcia investigate how square dancing improves sleep and well-being among middle-aged and older women, highlighting the importance of community-based physical activities. Song and Lachica report findings on the role of meaning in life and coping styles in supporting breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We are deeply grateful to our authors for their valuable contributions and to our reviewers for their time and expertise in refining this issue. A special thanks to the staff and Dr. Lota Largavista, Director of the Publication and Engagement Office, for their unwavering support in producing this volume. We hope you find this issue thought-provoking and useful in your professional practice and academic endeavors. Sincerely, JOVAL N. MARTINEZ Editor-in-Chief