Material stability and cancer patient mental health: A Williamson Transaction Cost perspective
Abstract
Public health emergencies impose substantial psychological strain on individuals undergoing cancer treatment, whose distress is shaped not only by clinical vulnerability but also by the stability of the healthcare environment. This narrative conceptual analysis examines how material stability during epidemic conditions influences the emotional well being of cancer patients. Drawing on literature from psycho oncology, health systems research, and Williamson’s Transaction Cost Theory, the paper explores how structural features such as asset specificity, environmental uncertainty, and transaction frequency shape the reliability of epidemic prevention materials. These system level characteristics become perceptible to patients through observable cues, including the availability of protective equipment, consistency of clinical routines, and continuity of treatment. Material stability functions as an important psychological signal that reduces fear of infection, mitigates uncertainty, reinforces institutional trust, and supports a sense of control, thereby enhancing resilience. A descriptive case illustration from Jiangsu Province demonstrates how coordinated procurement, reserve mechanisms, and transparent oversight contribute to patient reassurance. The analysis underscores the need for psycho oncology practice to integrate awareness of systemic conditions into supportive care and highlights the importance of organisational preparedness in sustaining emotional stability during public health crises.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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