Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4816-231X
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Bruce Rybarczyk, PhD
Second Advisor
Sarah E. Braun, PhD
Third Advisor
Michael W. Parsons, PhD
Fourth Advisor
Jared W. Keeley, PhD
Fifth Advisor
Daniel L. Hall, PhD
Sixth Advisor
Elyse R. Park, PhD
Abstract
Recent studies have shown a strong connection between resilience and subjective cognitive symptoms in clinical populations. However, there is limited understanding of this relationship in cancer survivors, and no studies examine whether resilience training could alleviate subjective cognitive symptoms in these patients. This study examined the relationship between subjective cognitive function and resilience in non-CNS cancer survivors who participated in a resiliency training intervention, at baseline and from pre- to post-intervention, as well as investigated potential influences of change in subjective cognition. Adult cancer survivors (N=275) participated in the Stress Management and Resilience Training-Relaxation Response Resilience Program (SMART-3RP) and completed self-report measures assessing subjective cognitive function, resilience, depression, and worry at pre-post the group intervention. Cross-sectional relationships were evaluated at pre-post using hierarchical regression modeling. Repeated measures ANCOVA assessed differences in subjective cognition from pre-post, controlling for age and time since diagnosis. Mediation modeling assessed whether mental health symptoms changed alongside subjective cognition and account for the relationship with resilience. Results revealed a significant relationship between subjective cognitive function and resilience at baseline (b = .35, p<.001) and a significant change post-group (F(1, 77) = 6.09, p=.016). Change in resilience was associated with change in subjective cognition: patients experienced a decrease in cognitive concerns while making gains in resilience (b=.39, p<.001). Changes in depression and anxiety did not mediate the relationship between resilience and subjective cognitive function (p’s>.05). It may be possible to refer survivors to programs, such as the SMART-3RP, to manage these subjective concerns, in the absence of objective cognitive deficits.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-6-2024