Uncertainty and quality of life of Malaysian women with breast cancer: Mediating role of coping styles and mood states

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between uncertainty in illness and quality of life, and examine the mediating role of coping strategies and mood states in this relationship among breast cancer patients. Methods: A convenience sample of 135 Malaysian women with breast cancer completed questionnaires measuring uncertainty in illness, mood states (i.e. anxiety and depression), quality of life, and copying styles. Results: The results showed an inverse correlation between uncertainty and quality of life after controlling for the effects of age, cancer stage and time since diagnosis. Moreover, the negative association between illness uncertainty and quality of life was mediated by coping strategies and mood states. Conclusion: The findings revealed that breast cancer patients experiencing a high level of uncertainty more likely use avoidant and less likely use active emotional coping strategies which in turn amplifies anxiety and depression and undermines their quality of life. While some interventions to reduce the adverse consequences of uncertainty are recommended, the findings indicated the need for targeted psychological interventions seeking to gradually shift cancer patients' coping strategies from avoidant to active emotional coping.