Examining the relationship between social cognitive processing and depressive symptoms in long-term breast cancer survivors and their partners.

Abstract

191 Background: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) and their partners frequently report distress, including depressive symptoms after diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. The Social Cognitive Processing Theory (SCPT) has been useful in identifying predictors of both BCS and partner distress, although most studies have occurred early in survivorship. Relationships between SCPT variables and depressive symptoms in long-term BCS and their partners have not been well explored. The purpose of this study is to test relationships between SCPT variables and depressive symptoms in long-term BCS and their partners. Methods: In a large cross-sectional study, BCS (N = 222), who were 3-8 years from diagnosis, and their partners completed a survey assessing demographic characteristics, social constraints, cognitive processing (intrusive thoughts and cognitive avoidance), and depressive symptoms. Mediation analyses were conducted for survivors and partners separately to determine if cognitive processing would mediate the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms. Results: Cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms both for BCS [F(5,209) = 16.373, R2= .281, p < .001] and partners [F(4, 216) = 8.281, R2= .133, p < .001), controlling for age, education, and survivors’ time since diagnosis. Although included in the model, demographic variables did not significantly predict depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Relationships in the SCPT were confirmed; cognitive processing mediated the relationship between social constraints and depressive symptoms for both long-term BCS and their partners. Results expand the utility of the SCPT in long-term survivors and their partners by supporting its use in intervention design.