Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ’Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Īlām (Apr 2024)
Predicting the meaning of life based on the sense of coherence and defense mechanisms with the mediation of perceived stress in women with breast cancer
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the third most common cancer in the world, the most common cancer among women, and the second cause of cancer-related death among them.The present study aimed to predict the meaning of life based on the sense of coherence and defense mechanisms with the mediation of perceived stress in women with breast cancer in Qazvin. Material & Methods: The present research was conducted based on a descriptive-analytical design. The statistical population included all women with breast cancer in Qazvin in 2023 (n=200). From this population, 126 cases were selected using Morgan's table and available sampling. Data were analyzed in SPSS (version 26) and SmartPLS (version 3.0.1) software packages using structural equation modeling. Results: An inverse and significant relationship was detected between sense of coherence and perceived stress (P=0.006; r= -0.478), defense mechanisms and perceived stress (P=0.015; r= -0.458), and perceived stress and the meaning of life (P=0.044; r= -0.414. Moreover, defense mechanisms had a direct and significant correlation with the meaning of life (P=0.005; r= 0.608). Perceived stress had a significant mediating role with (P=0.032; r=0.198) on the relationship between the sense of coherence and the meaning of life. Furthermore, perceived stress palyed a mediating role in the relationship between defense mechanisms and the meaning of life (P=0.040; r= 0.190). Discussion & Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this research, an increase in perceived stress causes a decrease in the sense of coherence, an increase in incompatible defense mechanisms, and a decrease in the meaning of life. According to the proposed model, it is possible to improve the meaning of life in patients by controlling their level of perceived stress by increasing the sense of coherence and defense mechanisms. It is suggested to provide psychological services to control perceived stress and inconsistent defense mechanisms.
