Modeling Fear of Cancer Recurrence Based on Coping Styles, Personality Traits, and Life Orientation in Cancer Survivors: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support

Sona Esmaeili; Somayeh Robat Mili; Seyed Ali Hosseini-Almadani

Authors

Sona Esmaeili Department of Health Psychology, NT.c., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1050-5308
Somayeh Robat Mili Assistant Professor, School of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7154-7507
Seyed Ali Hosseini-Almadani Department of Health Psychology, NT.c., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2242-1108

Keywords:

fear of cancer recurrence, cancer survivors, coping styles, personality traits, optimism, perceived social support

Abstract

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a common psychological concern among cancer survivors. This study examined FCR based on coping styles, personality traits, and life orientation, with perceived social support as a potential mediator. This cross-sectional correlational study included 347 adult survivors of breast, colorectal, gastric, and lung cancers in Tehran, Iran. Participants completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, Five-Factor Personality Questionnaire, Life Orientation Test–Revised, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Escape–avoidance coping significantly predicted higher FCR (β = .136, p = .002), whereas positive reappraisal (β = −.209, p < .001) and accepting responsibility (β = −.169, p < .001) predicted lower FCR. Extraversion (β = −.132, p = .003) and openness to experience (β = −.089, p = .001) were significant negative predictors. Optimism was the strongest negative predictor (β = −.288, p < .001), while pessimism predicted greater FCR (β = .201, p < .001). Perceived social support had no significant direct effect and did not mediate the relationships between the predictors and FCR. The model explained 87.4% of the variance in FCR (R² = .874). FCR is strongly associated with coping responses and future-oriented expectations. Interventions targeting avoidance, pessimism, and adaptive cognitive reappraisal may help reduce FCR in cancer survivors.

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