The relationship between family history of cancer, coping style and psychological distress

Objective: To investigate the relationship between family history of cancer, coping style and psychological distress.

Methods: Total 80 patients with family history of cancer and 72 normal controls were analyzed using self-reporting inventory (SCL-90), coping style scale and impact of event scale-revised (IES-R).

Results: 1. Between the two groups of patients, there were significant differences in anxiety, depression, cancer-specific distress and coping style. 2. Psychological distress (anxiety, depression and cancer-specific distress) had positive correlation with negative coping style and family history. 3. Negative coping style played an intermediary role in the family history and psychological distress.

Conclusion: The negative coping style will predispose to a more stronger psychological distress among the individuals with family history of cancer.