A Study of Relationship between Hopelessness and Coping Strategies in Cancer Patients

Although cancer patients often experience hopelessness and other psychological problems, research on hopelessness and coping strategies is rare. The objectives of this study were to identify the levels of hopelessness experienced and the coping strategies used by breast, colorectal and stomach cancer patients.200 cancer patients (92 disfigured and 108 non-disfigured were included in the sample. Patients completed the sample survey packets comprising of Beck’s Hopelessness Scale (Beck, 1974) and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (Lazarus & Folkman, 1988). Majority of the cancer patients were in moderate level of hopelessness. Seeking social support coping strategy was used most often by the cancer patients and Confrontive coping strategy was used the least. Significant negative correlation existed between hopelessness and use of coping strategies viz. distancing, self-controlling, accepting responsibility, Planful problem solving and positive reappraisal. t-test revealed more hopelessness in disfigured group of cancer patients. t-test also revealed that self-controlling and positive reappraisal coping strategies were used less by disfigured group of cancer patients.