dataset lung cancer 2024.sav

This study examined the relationships between coping styles, stress levels, and pain levels in lung cancer patients, and whether these relationships were moderated by place of residence (small town vs large city). A sample of 97 lung cancer patients completed questionnaires measuring coping styles (Stress Coping Inventory), perceived stress levels (Perceived Stress Scale), and pain levels (Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire).

Results showed that emotion-focused coping style was positively associated with higher stress and pain levels, while task-focused coping style was negatively associated with stress levels. Stress levels fully mediated the relationship between emotion-focused coping and pain. Place of residence moderated these relationships - the associations between emotion-focused coping, stress, and pain were stronger for patients residing in small towns compared to those in larger cities.

The findings suggest that an emotion-focused way of coping raises stress levels in lung cancer patients, which in turn increases experiences of pain. This pattern is especially pronounced among patients from rural areas and small towns. In contrast, a task-oriented coping approach is linked to lower stress. Stress acts as a key mechanism explaining how different coping strategies influence pain perception in lung cancer.

The results highlight the importance of psychological interventions aimed at improving coping skills, particularly for rural patients who may have less access to medical resources and support. Shifting from an emotion-focused to a task-oriented coping style could help reduce stress and mitigate pain among lung cancer patients. Further longitudinal research is needed to better understand the impacts of residential location on patient experiences over the course of treatment.