Abstract
Abstract This study examined cancer patients’ (N = 355, 65.4 % female, Mage = 54.35, SDage = 11.25) perceived emotional and informational support from a variety of interpersonal and media sources. We recruited patients from cancer patient association websites and online cancer forums and asked them to report to what extent they received support from interpersonal and media sources. Patients rated professional sources (e. g., oncologists) and personal sources (e. g., family) as nearly equal sources of emotional support; however, professional sources were rated as significantly greater sources of informational support. Although family and oncologists were the most mentioned interpersonal sources of support, they were also the most mentioned disappointing sources. Of the media sources, online interaction sources (e. g., online support groups) were rated as nearly equivalent sources of emotional support as interpersonal sources. That patients perceived emotional support, not only informational support, from various media sources is promising since interpersonal sources can be disappointing to some patients.
Highlights
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide (World Health Organization, 2021)
With respect to interpersonal sources, we found that personal sources, such as partner, family, and friends, were perceived as comparatively greater sources of emotional support, while professional sources, such as oncologists, nurses, and general practitioners, were perceived as comparatively greater sources of informational support
This finding is consistent with previous studies (Arora et al, 2007; Finney Rutten et al, 2005; Finney Rutten et al, 2016; Tunin et al, 2010), we extend the current understanding of perceived emotional and informational support from interpersonal sources through some unique findings
Summary
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide (World Health Organization, 2021). Individuals with cancer may be confronted with psychosocial challenges, such as feelings of vulnerability, loss of control, and uncertainty about the future (Pickles, Ruether, Weir, Carlson, and Jakulj, 2007). These feelings may cause negative health outcomes, such as distress, which interferes with adaptation to illness (Carlson, Waller, Groff, Giese-Davis, and Bultz, 2011). One way that people with cancer cope with psychosocial stressors and unmet information needs is through social support (Arora, Finney Rutten, Gustafson, Moser, and Hawkins, 2007; Tunin, Uziely, and Woloski‐Wruble, 2010). Across interpersonal and computer-mediated contexts, emotional support (e. g., caring, empathy) and informational support (e. g., advice) are among the most commonly reported types of support provided or received by people with serious illnesses like cancer (Arora et al, 2007; Rains, Peterson, and Wright, 2015; Van Eenbergen, Van de Poll-Franse, Krahmer, Verberne, and Mols, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
