PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION AND COPING MECHANISMS IN ADVANCED CANCER PATIENTS RECEIVING PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

This research examines the psychological adaptation and coping of older cancer patients under palliative care, focusing on the interaction between the emotional distress and symptom burden, coping styles, spiritual well-being and social support. The study investigated quantitative indices (anxiety, depression, coping frequencies, pain/distress correlations, and quality-of-life domains) using a mixed-methods design, which was supplemented by qualitative knowledge of the emotional account and existential issues of patients. Findings revealed moderate and high anxiety and depression rates were common and highly correlated with symptom severity especially unmanaged pain. Positive coping strategies such as acceptance, positive reframing, spiritual activities and problem-oriented coping were also associated with better emotional stability, distress, and well-being. On the other hand, the maladaptive coping patterns were associated with worse psychological outcomes. The latter spiritual well-being proved to be one of the most important protective factors with a steady negative correlation with the depressive symptoms, whereas robust familial and social support proved to be instrumental in reducing the emotional burden and increasing the level of resilience. The results highlight the necessity of interdisciplinary, holistic models of palliative care, which combine physical, emotional, social, and spiritual interventions to assist patients in adapting psychologically throughout terminal disease. These findings indicate that adaptive coping should be reinforced, symptom burden treated proactively, and family and culturally sensitive care practices should be integrated to improve the quality of life and improve emotional dignity in end-of-life care.