Relationship between problem solving dimensions and psychological distress among cancer caregivers

BackgroundFamily caregivers of patients with cancer face numerous challenges, leading to a heightened risk of psychological distress. Problem-solving abilities of cancer caregivers may influence coping and be relevant in anticipating the level of support needed from palliative care.ObjectiveResearchers sought to evaluate the relationship between problem-solving dimensions and psychological distress, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression, among family caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care.MethodsResearchers conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study using data from an ongoing multisite clinical trial. Using block-wise linear regression models, they examined the relationship between psychological distress and problem-solving dimensions.ResultsResults identified positive significant associations between negative problem orientation and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and between avoidance problem-solving style and symptoms of depression.ConclusionStudy results shed light on maladaptive problem-solving as influential in cancer caregiver coping, especially as it relates to risk of psychological distress.