Relationship between Emotional Regulation and Life Satisfaction among Thyroid Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: The interplay between emotional regulation and life satisfaction has garnered considerable attention in psychological research, particularly among populations facing chronic illnesses such as cancer. For individuals diagnosed with thyroid cancer, navigating the emotional landscape presents a unique set of challenges, influenced by various demographic and clinical variables. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing targeted interventions that enhance the quality of life for this patient group. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional regulation and life satisfaction among thyroid cancer patients and to examine the impact of demographic factors, including age, gender, marital status, family system, education level, and family history of cancer, on these psychological constructs. Methods: A correlational research design was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to recruit 100 thyroid cancer patients from hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), both validated instruments, were administered to measure the primary constructs of interest. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation coefficients to explore the relationship between emotional regulation and life satisfaction, and t-tests and ANOVA were utilized to assess differences based on demographic variables. SPSS version 26 was used for all statistical analyses. Results: The study found a significantly strong positive correlation between emotional regulation and life satisfaction (r = .54, p < .01). Gender differences were notable, with males reporting higher emotional regulation and cognitive reappraisal than females. Unmarried participants scored higher in emotional regulation compared to their married counterparts. Higher levels of education and a family history of cancer were also associated with better emotional regulation and cognitive reappraisal. However, therapy type, age, and monthly income did not show significant effects on the study variables. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of emotional regulation in enhancing life satisfaction among thyroid cancer patients, highlighting the influence of demographic factors. These insights advocate for the integration of emotional well-being into cancer care, emphasizing the need for personalized psychological support tailored to individual patient profiles.