A Meta-analysis of Psycho-demographic Correlates of Resilience among Cancer Patients

Abstract

This review focuses on investigating the psychological and demographic correlates of resilience in cancer patients. Cancer diagnosis is challenging. Many patients want to actively participate in their treatment and contribute to therapy, but their coping skills and willingness to participate vary. Individual levels of resilience seem to play an important role. The aim of our study was to learn more about the relationship between resilience and factors such as demographic and psychological factors. A study by Festerling et al. (2023) of 416 cancer patients from different hospitals in Germany found that resilience plays an important role in improving cancer treatment, although nutrition and physical activity were also considered crucial. It is important to identify patients at risk, stabilize or improve their resilience, and strengthen them accordingly. Possible negative factors (e.g. low self-efficacy) should be considered. Factors that impair resilience but are difficult to influence, such as educational level, should be investigated. The combination of low resilience and low income also seems to characterize a vulnerable patient group.