Hope and cancer

Two models of hope have predominated in the literature pertaining to cancer-Snyder's Hope Theory and Herth's hope model-both of which have produced brief self-report measures. Growing evidence demonstrates that hope, as operationalized in these models, is associated with a number of psychological variables in individuals with cancer, including depression, distress, coping, symptom burden, and post -traumatic growth. Emerging evidence also suggests that hope may predict probability of survival in advanced cancer. Surveys show that patients and families generally prefer healthcare communication that authentically conveys prognosis; such communication is not associated with decreased hope, but may actually foster hope. Finally, several interventions have been developed to enhance hope in people with cancer, which generally demonstrate medium effects.

Automated summary

Two predominant models of hope in cancer literature are Snyder's Hope Theory and Herth's hope model, both of which have produced brief self-report measures. Evidence shows that hope, as defined in these models, is associated with various psychological variables in cancer patients, including depression, distress, coping, symptom burden, and post-traumatic growth. Recent studies suggest that hope may also predict survival probability in advanced cancer. Surveys indicate that patients and families generally prefer healthcare communication that honestly conveys prognosis, which does not decrease hope but may actually foster it. Several interventions have been developed to enhance hope in cancer patients, generally showing moderate effects.