Relationship between problem solving dimensions and psychological distress among cancer caregivers

Background: Family caregivers of patients with cancer face numerous challenges, leading to a heightened risk of psychological distress. Problem-solving abilities of cancer caregivers may influence coping and be relevant in anticipating the level of support needed from palliative care. Objective: Researchers sought to evaluate the relationship between problem-solving dimensions and psychological distress, specifically symptoms of anxiety and depression, among family caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care. Methods: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study using data from an ongoing multisite clinical trial. Using block-wise linear regression models, they examined the relationship between psychological distress and problem-solving dimensions. Results: Results identified positive significant associations between negative problem orientation and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and between avoidance problem-solving style and symptoms of depression. Conclusion: Study results shed light on maladaptive problem-solving as influential in cancer caregiver coping, especially as it relates to risk of psychological distress.