The Effects of Perceived Social Support, Psychological Resilience and Coping Strategies on Life Satisfaction in Men Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer

Abstract

Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men. The patients diagnosed with testicular cancer may experience psychological disturbances during its diagnosis and treatment process. The present study was examined the effects of perceived social support, psychological resilience and coping strategies on life satisfaction in men diagnosed with testicular cancer. This cross-sectional data was obtained from the participants through different scales. The statistical analysis was included descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression model for the variables. A total of 174 patients, mean 36, range=20-60 years, were included in the study. Results showed that the variables of HADS depression, HADS anxiety, perceived social support, psychological resilience and coping strategies included in the multiple logistic regression analysis explained the change in life satisfaction variance by 42% (R2 =6.351; R2 =0.423) determined by p <0.005. The statistical significance was found for HADS depression score (t=-0.31; p=0.000), HADS anxiety (t=-1.07, p=0.002) and psychological resilience (t=-0.23, p=0.001) in terms of life satisfaction levels of patients treated with testicular cancer. There was no statistical significance found among other variables and life satisfaction levels of patients (p>0.005). Testicular cancer, which is common among men, causes negative consequences on the life of individuals. Social support of the patients both during the diagnosis period and during the treatment, it causes changes in life satisfaction and psychological resilience. Therefore, psychological problems such as a decrease in the coping strategies of the patients, depression or anxiety are beginning to be observed.