Applying a Biopsychosocial Perspective to Investigate Factors Related to Emotional Adjustment and Quality of Life for Individuals With Brain Tumour

Abstract

AbstractObjective:This exploratory study applied a biopsychosocial perspective to investigate cognitive and psychosocial factors related to emotional adjustment and QoL after brain tumour.Methods:Participants included 30 adults with a brain tumour (60% benign and 40% malignant) who were aged 28 to 71 years (M= 51.5,SD= 12.3) and on average 5.4 years post-diagnosis (SD= 5.6 years). Participants completed a brief battery of cognitive tests and self-report measures of emotional status (Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale), subjective impairment (Patient Competency Rating Scale), coping (COPE), social support (Brief Social Support Questionnaire), and QoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy — Brain Tumour [FACT-Br]).Results:QoL was significantly associated with global cognitive ability (r= .49,p< .01), subjective impairment (r= .66,p< .01), and satisfaction with support (r= .50,p< .05). Level of depressive symptoms was significantly correlated with premorbid IQ (r= -.49,p< .01), use of planning to cope (r= -.48,p< .01), and satisfaction with support (r= -.47,p< .01).Conclusions:Overall, these exploratory findings indicate that emotional adjustment and QoL after brain tumour is related to a slightly different pattern of neuropsychological, psychological (self-perceptions and coping) and social factors. The clinical implications for interventions with individuals with brain tumour are discussed.