COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS, DEPRESSION AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN MASTECTOMIZED BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the psychological factors affecting mastectomized breast cancer females undergoing radiation treatment. Fifty-one patients (M_age = 45.22, SD = 12.35), were recruited from oncology outpatient clinics of 3 government hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan through purposive sampling. Participants responded to Demographic Information Form, Cognitive Distortions, Siddiqui Shah Depression and Beck Suicidal Ideation Scales. Moderated regression analysis used to determine the direct and moderated links between study variables in a series of five regression models suggests that stressful thinking predicts depression and suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was also more significant and stronger with depressive symptoms at a high level of self-blame by patients. The link between suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms was strong at the high level of predictive thinking. Whereas, at low levels of suicidal ideation, the link between predictive thinking and depressive symptoms was more significant. Cognitive distortions were overall found to moderate the relationship between depression and suicidal ideation. Thus, emphasis is placed on the coordination between oncologists and psycho-oncologist in providing appropriate interventions to breast cancer patients.