Vol. 19 No. 4 (2025)

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4537

Psychological resilience as a predictor of quality of life in ultrasound-guided chemotherapy: A retrospective cohort study

by Shan Zhu, Yali Zeng, Peng Yue

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 602 Views

Background: Psychological resilience may regulate the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs through neuroendocrine mechanisms, but its role in the local administration mode remains unclear. This study explores the influence of the psychological resilience level of breast cancer patients on the pharmacokinetics of ultrasound-guided intratumoral injection of paclitaxel. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 breast cancer patients who received intratumoral paclitaxel treatment. They were divided into the high resilience group and the low resilience group (60 cases in each group) according to the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The peripheral blood drug concentration was detected, the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0-10h (ng·h/mL), C max (ng/mL), T max (h), and t 1/2 (h) were calculated, and the differences in molecular subtypes were analyzed. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Scale Chinese version was utilized to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Result: There were statistically significant differences between the high-resilience group and the low-resilience group in terms of smoking history ( p = 0.047), ALT ( p = 0.046), and the prevalence of hypertension ( p = 0.032). Psychological resilience may affect the metabolism and elimination of drugs, resulting in greater drug exposure and longer half-life in the low psychological resilience group. In both the Luminal and HER2+ subtypes, the AUC₀-₁₀ₕ in the low resilience group was significantly higher than that in the high resilience group. The CD-RISC score was significantly negatively correlated with the AUC of paclitaxel ( r = -0.672, p < 0.001). For every 10-point increase in the CD-RISC score, the overall QOL of patients can improve by 4.3 points, and the symptoms of fatigue and pain are significantly reduced. Conclusion: Psychological resilience may optimize the local efficacy by reducing systemic leakage of paclitaxel, especially in HER2-positive patients. The CD-RISC score may be used as an auxiliary predictive indicator for individualized local chemotherapy.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3629

Impact of combining cognitive intervention and psychological care on the mental health of patients with benign breast tumors

by Feifei Xu, Sheng Xu

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 383 Views

To explore the effect of cognitive intervention combined with psychological nursing on the mental health of female patients undergoing surgery for benign breast tumors. From September 2023 to September 2024, 80 patients with benign breast tumors who underwent surgery in our hospital were selected as study subjects and randomly divided into a control group and a study group using a random number table, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine nursing, while the study group received cognitive intervention combined with psychological nursing on the basis of the control group. The mental status, coping styles, and illness uncertainty of the two groups were observed and compared.  After nursing, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of the study group were lower than those of the control group ( p < 0.05). In terms of coping styles, the simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ) positive coping score of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( p < 0.05), while the negative coping score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, in terms of illness uncertainty, the study group had lower scores than the control group on the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale Adult (MUISA) for uncertainty, complexity, lack of information, and unpredictability ( p < 0.05). Implementing cognitive intervention combined with psychological nursing for female patients undergoing surgery for benign breast tumors can significantly improve their mental health, reduce their uncertainty during treatment, and prompt them to actively cope with the disease. There are also some limitations in this study. Firstly, the sample size of the study is small; secondly, the patients included in this study were benign tumor patients, so the requirements of the intervention technique do not need to be very high, which may also affect the results of the experiment.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3639

Exploration of emotional journey navigation with coping approaches for breast cancer patients

by Chengzhe Guo, Shibing Zhou, Shanshan Yuan

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 314 Views

Breast cancer survivors face significant obstacles even after receiving effective treatment, including problems with body image, anxiety and despair, stress from lifestyle changes, and ongoing difficulties managing their health. Among female-specific illnesses, breast cancer ranks high. Although mortality rates have decreased due to therapies and prevention efforts, patients’ physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual lives are still profoundly affected by their diagnosis and subsequent treatment. It is conceivable that targeted psychosocial therapies to improve the health and well-being of women living with breast cancer may be better designed if there is a better understanding of how these people, both mentally and emotionally, reflect their disease and coping mechanisms. This study explored the illness perceptions and coping strategies among women receiving care for breast cancer. This study seeks to explore the experiences of the different stages women with breast cancer go through employing a patient journey. In this research, 15 adults who had breast cancer surgery were interviewed individually using a web-based survey (WBS) within three months after the procedure. Foundational data (such as sociodemographics) was derived via quantitative surveys. This study used thematic analysis to examine each interview separately. Suicide ideation and mental health concept validation was the goal of the quantitative data analysis that made use of confirmatory factor analysis. Afterwards, this study isolated and scaled the significant relationships between mental health and suicidal thoughts for additional bivariate analysis. Interview transcripts and survey replies were subjected to a qualitative inductive theme analysis. Patient journey and patient diagnosis and continuing during therapy, sentiment analysis was used to enhance the thematic results.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4549

Effects of a psychoneurointeraction-based personalized psychological care model on postoperative recovery in glioblastoma patients

by Jiayang Xu, Aiping Xu, Jia Yu, Longfan Piao

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 325 Views

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common malignant neuroepithelial tumor of the central nervous system in adults. The preferred treatment method is surgical treatment. During the perioperative period, patients will experience huge physiological and psychological burdens, which may influence the surgical outcome and recovery. Traditional nursing care patterns lack individualized psychological intervention and show limited impact on patients’ psychological states. Objective: This study seeks to investigate the effects of individualized psychological nursing care on the psychological states, neuroendocrine responses, and postoperative recovery for patients with GBMs in the perioperative period. Methods: This was a prospective quasi-experimental study conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University from January 2023 to March 2024. A total of 84 GBM patients undergoing surgical treatment were enrolled and assigned into a treatment group ( n = 42) and a control group ( n = 42) using 1:1 propensity score matching. The treatment group received a personalized psychological care model based on psychoneurointeraction theory in addition to standard nursing care, while the control group received standard psychological nursing care only. Evaluations were conducted 1 day preoperatively, and on postoperative Days 3 and 7. Primary outcomes included psychological measures (anxiety, depression, perceived stress) and physiological markers [serum cortisol, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine, and inflammatory markers]. Results: The treatment group displayed substantially lowered scores for anxiety, depression, and perceived stress on Days 3 and 7 postoperatively compared with those in the control group ( P < 0.05); this group also showed remarkably lowered levels of serum cortisol and inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] in contrast with the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The intervention method of individualized psychological nursing care based on the theory of neural interactions can bring about dramatic improvements for GBM patients’ perioperative mental states, physiological stress responses, postoperative recovery, and complications.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3703

Effect of psychological nursing intervention on compliance, psychological state and self-care ability of patients after breast cancer surgery

by Hongmei Tian, Xiaoqing Li, Zhi Yan, Xiaoqing Wang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 332 Views

Postoperative trauma and breast defects following radical mastectomy often lead to anxiety and depression, diminishing treatment compliance and adversely affecting both surgical outcomes and postoperative rehabilitation. Therefore, nursing interventions are critical for patients after radical mastectomy. This study investigates the effects of psychological versus conventional nursing interventions on treatment compliance, psychological well-being, self-care ability, complication rates, and patient satisfaction among patients with breast cancer treated at our hospital. The findings indicate that proactive psychological nursing interventions significantly enhance treatment compliance, alleviate negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, improve self-care capabilities, reduce complication risks, and foster a more positive nurse-patient relationship.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3679

The practical value of psychological intervention based on stress response system theory in the perioperative period of thyroid cancer patients

by Jun e Liu, Yuwei Ma, Huijie Liang, Yaojie Hu, Wei Zheng, Hong Chen

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 240 Views

Objective: This study seeks to probe the practical value of psychological interventions based on stress response system theory in the perioperative care of thyroid cancer patients. Materials and methods: A total of 100 patients scheduled for thyroid cancer surgery at Tangshan Workers’ Hospital from October 2023 to March 2024 were selected as research subjects, all of whom were confirmed by pathological diagnosis. The 50 patients admitted from October 2023 to December 2023 were assigned to the control group; the 50 patients admitted from January to March 2024 were assigned to the experimental group. Both groups received standard thyroid cancer surgery-related health education, while the observation group was also subjected to psychological interventions based on stress response system theory. Comparisons were made in terms of negative emotions, sleep quality, quality of life, fatigue, self-efficacy, resilience, voice disorder, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms, health behaviors at three months postoperatively, postoperative pain, and complications between the groups before and after the intervention. Results: Following the intervention, the observation group exhibited significantly lower scores on the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), and Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) compared with the control group. Meanwhile, scores on the Chinese version of the Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health (C-SUPPH), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and dimensions of health behaviors three months post-surgery were remarkably higher within the observation group. The observation group predominantly adopted coping strategies such as confrontation, while the control group leaned towards resignation and avoidance, with statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Psychological interventions rooted in stress response system theory can significantly reduce negative emotions, boost sleep quality and overall quality of life, decrease fatigue, and strengthen resilience among thyroid cancer patients. By fostering healthier behaviors, these interventions support recovery, minimize complications, and improve prognoses.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3617

Integrating psychosocial support and nutritional interventions in laryngeal cancer care: Insights from a retrospective study

by Chenyang Li, Yijie Chen, Wanyi Kou, Yifan Zhang, Wenqi Sha, Yanxia Shi, Yun Guo, Yinglong Xu, Zhenghui Wang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 247 Views

The aim of this study was to review 120 cases of laryngeal cancer at the Department of Ears, Nose, and Throat (ENT) from 2010 to 2015 and to summarize and discuss the related symptoms and psychological nursing experience of patients with laryngeal cancer. The accumulation of experience and the continuous improvement in nursing techniques have focused on the nutritional aspects and psychosocial support of patients with larynx cancer. Providing systematic, comprehensive and individualized psychological and nutritional nursing interventions is critical for laryngeal cancer patients, and will promote rehabilitation, improve long-term quality of life, and increase patient satisfaction.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3723

Sociocultural factors affecting health-related quality of life in patients with Cirrhosis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A psychosocial perspective

by Lingjun  Zhou, Aiwu Shen, Wenjie  Huang, Yan  Wu, Yanjun  Huang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 397 Views

Background :  cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health burden worldwide, with psychological distress and diminished quality of life being common consequences of this diagnosis. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a crucial aspect of patient care, and sociocultural factors can influence HRQoL outcomes by impacting coping mechanisms, social support, and mental health. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of sociocultural factors on HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis-related HCC. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to investigate the relationship between sociocultural factors and HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis-related HCC.  Methods :  We conducted a retrospective analysis of 200 patients with cirrhosis-related HCC at a tertiary healthcare facility between May 2020 and June 2024. We collected data on HRQoL using standardized questionnaires, including the EORTC QLQ-C30, to assess the impact of psychological distress on HRQoL. We performed regression and correlation analyses to investigate the association between sociocultural factors and HRQoL.  Results :  We found that level of education was linked to physical well-being, occupation was linked to emotional well-being, marital status was linked to social well-being, family support was linked to role functioning, and cultural background was linked to cognitive functioning. Our analysis revealed that these social and cultural factors were all important predictors of quality of life.  Conclusion :  Our study provides evidence that psychosocial and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis-related HCC, highlighting the need for comprehensive care that addresses the psychological and social needs of patients. We found that education level, occupation, marital status, family support, and cultural background were all significant predictors of HRQoL scores. These findings underscore the importance of integrating psycho-oncological care into the management of cirrhosis-related HCC to improve HRQoL outcomes.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3641

Enhancing mental health in oncology: The role of psychiatric interventions and nurse-patient relationships

by Jiangyou Yu, Chenggang Jiang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 283 Views

Cancer remains a significant global public health challenge, causing 7–8 million deaths annually. Advances in medical technology have significantly improved cancer survival rates; however, psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, alongside a reduced quality of life, continue to impact patients’ overall well-being and treatment outcomes. This review highlights psychiatric interventions and the critical role of the nurse-patient relationship as integral components of a comprehensive model for enhancing mental health in oncology patients. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of various psychiatric interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychological counseling, and supportive therapies, while also identifying the benefits of the therapeutic relationship between nurses and patients. Data collection involved an extensive literature review (spanning over 10 databases) and a publication bias assessment through meta-analysis to evaluate the reproducibility of findings. The results demonstrate that psychological interventions can significantly reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients, leading to improved quality of life. Moreover, the effectiveness of these interventions is further enhanced when supported by strong nurse-patient relationships, which foster greater trust and patient satisfaction. Despite the promising results, several limitations were identified, including variability in sample sizes and diversity in study designs. Future research should involve larger-scale and longitudinal studies to verify the long-term effects of these interventions. Additionally, the effectiveness of these interventions should be examined across different cultural contexts to ensure their generalizability. This study underscores the importance of robust nurse-patient relationships and psychiatric care tailored to the needs of cancer patients, providing a foundation for advancing clinical practice and future research.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 5075

Early warning mechanisms and intervention strategies based on dynamic negative emotion prediction models for physiopathological risks in cancer patients

by Renjie Zhu

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 67 Views

Objective: To construct a dynamic evolution-based negative emotion prediction model, establish an early warning mechanism for physiological and pathological risks in cancer patients, and develop personalized psychological intervention strategies. Methods: A multistage mixed-methods design was employed, conducting a 12-month longitudinal follow-up study of 480 cancer patients. Standardized instruments, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, and Perceived Stress Scale, were used to assess negative emotions, while physiological indicators, including inflammatory markers, immune function parameters, and endocrine parameters, were simultaneously measured. Machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree, and Deep Neural Networks, were utilized to construct prediction models, with model performance evaluated through 10-fold cross-validation and external validation. Personalized psychological intervention strategies were developed based on prediction results, and intervention effectiveness was assessed using randomized controlled trials. Results: Negative emotions in cancer patients exhibited a three-stage dynamic evolution pattern of “impact-adaptation-integration,” with anxiety, depression, and fear of disease progression scores reaching peak levels in early treatment phases before gradually declining. Environmental factors such as social support, family functioning, and medical environment, along with individual difference variables including age, gender, and personality traits, significantly moderated emotional evolution. The ensemble prediction model achieved an AUC value of 0.892 (95% CI: 0.876–0.908) in internal validation and 0.876 (95% CI: 0.845–0.907) in external validation, with a sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 83.7%. The three-tier risk stratification early warning system achieved an optimal balance at the moderate risk threshold, with a Youden index of 0.691. Personalized psychological intervention strategies significantly improved patients’ psychological symptoms, physiological indicators, and quality of life. The intervention group showed 34.1% improvement in anxiety scores, 38.1% improvement in depression scores, 38.1% reduction in C-reactive protein levels, and 24.7% enhancement in quality-of-life scores, all significantly superior to the control group (p < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that personalized interventions primarily operated through five mediating variables: cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation, coping strategies, social support utilization, and self-efficacy, with a total indirect effect of 0.71, accounting for 78.9% of the total effect. Conclusion: The dynamic evolution-based negative emotion prediction model demonstrates excellent predictive performance and clinical application value. The established early warning mechanism effectively identifies high-risk patients, and personalized psychological intervention strategies significantly improve patients’ multidimensional health outcomes, providing a scientific theoretical foundation and practical guidance for psychological health management in cancer patients.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 3597

Effect of individualized mental nursing intervention on anxiety, depression symptoms and treatment compliance for patients with malignant lung tumor

by Bin Zhang, Fen Yu

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 21 Views

To evaluate the effect of individualized mental nursing intervention on anx­iety, depression, treatment compliance and functional status of patients with malignant lung tumor. Methods: A total of 106 patients with malignant lung tumor who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January 2022 to June 2024 were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table, with 53 cases in each group. The observation group received individualized mental nursing intervention on the basis of routine treatment, while the control group only received routine treatment. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), treatment compliance scale [8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8)], serum cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and Karnofsky performance status score (KPS) were assessed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: The SAS and SDS scores of the observation group at 4, 8 and 12 weeks were significantly lower than those of the control group ( p < 0.05). The MMAS-8 score in the observation group was also significantly higher than that in the control group, particularly at week 12, the scores in the observation group and the control group were (7.86 ± 0.91) points and (6.78 ± 0.89) points ( p < 0.05). Serum cortisol and CRP levels were significantly reduced in the observation group, particularly at week 12, serum cortisol and CRP levels in the observation group were (298.45 ± 24.56) nmol/L and (8.98 ± 1.65) mg/L, lower than those in the control group ( p < 0.05). The KPS score of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, particularly at week 12, the KPS score of the observation group was (89.78 ± 5.03) points, and that of the control group was (79.45 ± 5.64) points ( p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that the time required for improvement of treatment compliance in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ( HR = 0.48, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Individualized mental nursing intervention can effectively improve anxiety and depression symptoms, treatment compliance, reduce serum cortisol and CRP levels of patients with malignant lung tumor and significantly improve the functional status of patients. This indicates that the application of individualized mental nurs­ing intervention has important clinical value in tumor treatment.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 5611

Assessment of the ecological health and psychological benefits of Arts-Based Therapy and exercise therapy for potential cancer patients

by Qi Lun, Mei Gong, Qiang Qin

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 88 Views

This review explores how Arts-Based Therapy therapy and exercise therapy contribute to ecological health and psychological resilience among individuals at potential risk of cancer. It synthesises evidence from environmental psychology, physical education, and psycho-oncology to illustrate how natural engagement and physical movement operate as complementary interventions within an ecological model of health. The discussion identifies the shared principles of rhythm, awareness, and participation that unite both approaches. Arts-Based Therapy therapy engages sensory, cognitive, and emotional systems through direct interaction with living environments, restoring calmness and meaning through care and observation. Exercise therapy promotes physiological regulation, emotional stability, and cognitive clarity through structured movement and mindful breathing. When integrated, these interventions reinforce one another by combining ecological awareness with bodily adaptation, producing a balanced state of well-being that extends from the individual to the community. The analysis highlights their value in prevention and recovery by reducing stress, improving self-regulation, and strengthening motivation for sustainable health behaviour. Recommendations include clinical integration of therapeutic gardens and movement programs, interdisciplinary education for practitioners, and public policies that recognise ecological and physical activity as essential components of preventive care. Future directions call for research linking biological mechanisms with subjective experience and for the design of inclusive therapeutic environments that connect health promotion with environmental stewardship. The findings affirm that the cooperation between nature, body, and mind provides a foundation for resilience and a sustainable model of psycho oncological care.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 4433

Predictive nursing to reduce PICC-related thrombosis and psychological distress in cancer patients

by Hongyun Li, Hua Zhao, Ye Wang, Yuqi Liu, Min Wang, Furong Zeng, Yajin Xue, Yanling Shao

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 0 Views

This study investigated the risk factors for venous thrombosis following peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) placement in cancer patients and evaluated the impact of predictive nursing on clinical and psychological outcomes. From August 2021 to July 2023, 136 cancer patients who developed PICC-related venous thrombosis were included as the observation group, and 136 patients without thrombosis served as controls. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify independent risk factors. The observation group further received predictive nursing, while the control group received routine nursing. Knowledge of catheter care, hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory and nutritional indicators, emotional status, complications, and nursing satisfaction were compared between groups. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age, diabetes, catheterization duration, puncture site, platelet-promoting drug use, and prophylactic anticoagulation ( P < 0.05). Logistic regression identified age ≥60 years (OR = 4.065), diabetes (OR = 5.185), catheterization ≥14 days (OR = 5.652), cephalic vein puncture (OR = 6.165), platelet-stimulating drugs (OR = 5.859), and absence of prophylactic anticoagulation (OR = 11.025) as independent risk factors ( P < 0.01). Compared with routine nursing, predictive nursing resulted in higher satisfaction, improved beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors, better hemodynamic stability, lower TNF-α and IL-1β levels, enhanced nutritional indicators, reduced anxiety and depression, and fewer complications ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Advanced age, diabetes, extended catheterization, cephalic vein puncture, platelet-stimulating drugs, and lack of prophylactic anticoagulation increase thrombosis risk. Predictive nursing effectively improves emotional state, hemodynamics, nutritional status, and safety in cancer patients undergoing PICC-based chemotherapy.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 5436

Coloring beyond the cancer ward: A randomized controlled pilot trial of short-term visual art therapy for chemotherapy-related distress

by Xufang Sun, Qianwen Hu

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 0 Views

Breast-cancer treatment often disrupts appearance and identity, leaving roughly one-third of patients in clinically significant distress. This dual-center pilot RCT assessed whether a brief, low-cost mandala-coloring program could alleviate chemotherapy-related distress in women with early-stage breast cancer. Fifty post-surgical patients starting adjuvant chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to either three 45-minute chair-side coloring sessions delivered over three weeks or an active control involving neutral reading for the same duration; both groups received standard care. Distress (NCCN Distress Thermometer [DT] 0-10) was the primary outcome, with anxiety and depression (HADS-A/D), fatigue (BFI), and global quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) as secondary endpoints, all measured at baseline and one week after the final session. Feasibility targets were surpassed: 86% of approached patients enrolled, 96% completed follow-up, and 92% of intervention participants attended every session. Adjusted analyses showed lower postintervention distress in the art-therapy group (mean = 3.4) versus controls (mean = 5.1), giving a −1.7-point difference (p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.85); only 28% of intervention patients, compared with 80% of controls, remained above the DT clinical cut-off (≥4). Anxiety dropped markedly in the coloring arm (8.70 to 6.20) but increased in controls (8.40 to 9.60), producing a −3.3-point adjusted difference (p < 0.001, d ≈ 1.2). Depression and fatigue showed no significant between-group differences, and global quality of life declined in controls but was largely maintained in the art group, although this trend did not reach significance. Structural-equation modelling (χ² = 7.11, CFI = 0.995, RMSEA = 0.036) confirmed a latent “distress” factor defined by DT, HADS-A, and HADS-D; the intervention exerted a significant negative effect on this factor (β = −0.55, p = 0.006), driven chiefly by anxiety reduction, with no direct paths to fatigue or quality of life. In summary, three short mandala-coloring sessions are feasible during chemotherapy and substantially reduce overall distress and anxiety, though depressive symptoms, fatigue, and broad quality-of-life indices were unchanged over this brief interval. Larger, longer trials should verify durability, explore body-image mechanisms, and determine how best to integrate chair-side coloring into routine psycho-oncology practice.

Open Access

Article

Article ID: 5070

The psychological impact of scar reconstruction surgery in cancer patients: A comprehensive study on emotional and social recovery

by Xiaolin Zhao

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 0 Views

Cancer treatments often involve surgeries that leave visible scars, which can significantly impact patients’ psychological well-being. This study explores the psychological effects of scar reconstruction surgery, particularly focusing on changes in body image, self-esteem, anxiety, and social adaptability in cancer patients. Using semi-structured interviews, data was collected from 15 participants, comprising 8 cancer patients and 7 non-cancer patients who underwent various forms of scar reconstruction, including microsurgery and laser aesthetics. The findings reveal that scar reconstruction surgery leads to significant improvements in body image, self-esteem, and social engagement, with cancer patients experiencing more profound psychological benefits than non-cancer patients, due to the emotional toll of cancer treatment. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of sequential scar treatments and microsurgical techniques in enhancing both aesthetic outcomes and psychological recovery. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the intersection between physical restoration and mental health, providing valuable insights into how scar reconstruction can aid in the emotional and social reintegration of cancer survivors.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 4630

Psychological benefits of exercise for cancer survivors

by Xiangli Ni, Xiao-Juan, Jianghua Li

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 390 Views

Cancer survivors often face a variety of psychological challenges during the treatment process. With the promotion of comprehensive treatment models, exercise, as a non-pharmacological adjunct therapy, has increasingly gained attention for its role in improving the psychological health of cancer survivors. This paper reviews the relevant literature and deeply explores the positive effects of exercise on the psychological health of cancer survivors, attempting to reveal the physiological and psychological mechanisms behind these effects. From a psychological perspective, exercise not only alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression, and cancer-related fatigue but also fosters positive social interaction and enhances self-efficacy. The realization of these positive effects may involve multiple mechanisms, such as increased levels of endorphins after exercise, increased cardiorespiratory and muscle strength, enhanced immune system functioning, increased social support, and improved self-efficacy. This paper also analyzes the main challenges encountered in the implementation of exercise interventions, such as individual differences among patients, exercise compliance, and how to more effectively integrate exercise interventions into standard cancer treatment. Finally, this paper looks forward to the direction of future research, suggesting that subsequent studies should focus on the personalized design of exercise interventions, explore the specific effects of different types, intensities, and durations of exercise on cancer survivors of different types and stages. Demographic characteristics such as cultural background, socioeconomic status, gender, and age should also be explored in depth to explore the potential moderating effects of exercise intervention effects and adherence. Collectively, these findings highlight the novel psychosocial contributions of exercise interventions, particularly in facilitating social interaction and enhancing self-efficacy, thereby offering a more comprehensive understanding of their therapeutic potential. This is expected to provide a more scientific and effective exercise intervention strategy for the quality of life and psychosocial resilience of cancer survivors.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 5604

Holistic school physical education to enhance resilience and social adaptation among children recovering from cancer

by Lingfei Wang, Lin Zhang, Donglan Zhang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 200 Views

This narrative review offers a unique contribution by examining school physical education (PE) as a psychosocial intervention for children recovering from cancer an area that remains markedly underexplored in current literature. Existing reviews focus largely on hospital-based or clinically delivered exercise programmemes, with limited attention to how everyday school environments, particularly PE classes, can support emotional recovery, peer reconnection, and social adaptation. By integrating evidence from paediatric oncology, sport science, psychology, and educational research, this review introduces a new interdisciplinary framework that conceptualises school PE not merely as physical activity, but as a therapeutic space that fosters resilience, restores normalcy, and facilitates reintegration into school life. This work is one of the first to propose structured recommendations for school-based PE participation, thereby addressing a critical gap in survivorship care and offering practical directions for educators, clinicians, and policymakers.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 4691

Intervention effect of virtual reality (VR) marathon simulation training on psychological disinhibition in bedridden cancer patients

by Xinkai Zhang, Ziyu Wang, Zifu Xu, Li Wang, Qi Liu, Gang Qin

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 99 Views

This study conducts a scoping review combined with bibliometric analysis to examine the potential of virtual reality (VR) marathon simulation training as a psychosocial intervention for psychological disinhibition among bedridden cancer patients. Sixty core articles published between 2003 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed across three dimensions: neurobiological mechanisms of emotional and behavioral dysregulation, limitations of traditional psychological and pharmacological interventions, and emerging evidence supporting VR-based therapeutic applications. Bibliometric analysis demonstrated robust academic activity in this field, with an h-index of 39 and an average of 84.76 citations per article. Nearly half of the included studies focused on VR applications in pain and anxiety management, highlighting its capacity to modulate attention, reduce distress, and enhance emotional regulation through multisensory immersion. VR marathon simulation training may provide a low-burden, high-engagement alternative for bedridden patients by interrupting the cycle of exercise deprivation, cognitive decline, and emotional deterioration through dynamic scene interaction, supportive feedback, and virtual goal attainment. Despite these advantages, evidence gaps remain, including limited large-scale clinical trials, insufficient guidance on optimal intervention dosage, and the need for clearer emotional safety criteria. Future research should refine emotionally adaptive VR designs and explore how virtual social environments can further enhance coping and psychological well-being in this vulnerable population. This review provides foundational support for VR-based exercise substitution therapy as a meaningful psychosocial adjunct in oncology care.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 4512

Dual dimensions of psychological resilience in cancer patients: A systematic review from risk factors to protective factors

by Mengmeng Liu, Hongyan Chen, Hui Zhao, Ying Li, Yiyu Zhuang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 94 Views

Guided by the dual theoretical framework of “risk-protection”, this study systematically reviews the developmental trajectory and core themes of research on psychological resilience among cancer patients. The aim is to elucidate how individuals, under various risk factor contexts, draw upon multilayered protective resources to develop positive psychological adaptation capabilities. A total of 60 core English-language publications, published between 2009 and 2025 and indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, were included. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Bibliometrix tool, supplemented by qualitative coding through NVivo. This enabled the construction of a risk-protection intersection matrix and a thematic ecological map. Findings indicate a marked increase in research on psychological resilience in cancer patients since 2018, spanning multiple disciplinary domains including psycho-oncology, nursing, and health psychology. The thematic foci primarily center on individual psychological resource mechanisms, family support systems, symptom burden regulation, cultural adaptation experiences, and psychological resilience in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodologically, the research has evolved from traditional quantitative approaches to mixed methods and qualitative interviews, emphasizing the integration of subjective experience with systematic interpretation. The theoretical contributions of this study are threefold: (1) it clarifies the interactive structure between different types of risk factors and multilevel protective mechanisms, emphasizing psychological resilience as the outcome of “multi-system dynamic regulation”; (2) it reveals the mediating and moderating roles of cultural factors, social support, and family structure in the formation of resilience; (3) it proposes intervention strategies applicable at the individual, family, and community levels. This study provides systematic empirical support and analytical tools for the advancement of resilience theory, the practice of cancer care, and the development of health policy.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 5536

Dose-response relationship in exercise intervention for cancer patients: A meta-analysis based on the FACT-G scale

by Mingyang Zhang, Aihua Lei, Xinye Zhao, Jianjun Li

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 60 Views

Exercise has become an established component of supportive oncology care, yet the optimal dose required to improve patient-reported outcomes remains unclear. This meta-analysis examined the impact of exercise interventions on quality of life measured exclusively with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G). A systematic search of Web of Science identified 61 records, of which 14 trials involving 1230 participants met eligibility criteria. The included studies encompassed diverse cancer populations and intervention formats, ranging from aerobic and resistance training to multimodal, yoga, and digitally supported programs. Despite heterogeneity, exercise was consistently safe and associated with either improvements or preservation of quality of life, with several trials reporting changes that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference. The clearest signal of benefit was observed in supervised programs delivering an accumulated dose of approximately 180 min per week over 8 to 16 weeks, where quality-of-life gains were most robust. Lower-dose programs of around 120 min per week yielded mixed results, while high-dose regimens of 270 min or more per week did not sustain superior benefits, suggesting an inverted-U dose–response trajectory. Importantly, exercise during active treatment frequently maintained quality of life in the face of therapeutic burden, whereas in survivorship larger absolute improvements were achieved. These findings support the integration of structured, supervised exercise into oncology care and reinforce the need for future precision trials to refine dose–response models and address sustainability of benefit.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 5582

Team spirit and healing: The psychosocial role of basketball in cancer emotional rehabilitation

by Xun Sun, Shixi Qumu, Quan Zhou, Donglan Zhang

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 32 Views

Cancer survivorship often involves persistent psychological distress, fatigue, and social withdrawal. While exercise improves physical outcomes, the psychosocial potential of team-based sports has received little empirical attention in oncology rehabilitation. This narrative review synthesises interdisciplinary evidence to examine how basketball, as a cooperative and rhythmic team sport, fosters emotional resilience, self-efficacy, and social reintegration among cancer survivors. A structured narrative review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO (1990–May 2025). Studies exploring sport participation, physical activity, and psychosocial outcomes in cancer or comparable populations were included. Evidence was inductively coded and deductively mapped using Self-Determination Theory, Social Support Theory, and the Biopsychosocial Model. Across multidisciplinary studies, participation in sport-based or group exercise programs consistently improved quality of life, mood regulation, and self-efficacy. Basketball, in particular, enhanced team cohesion, embodied cooperation, and emotional control through shared rhythm and goal-oriented play. Mechanistic pathways included fulfilment of autonomy–competence–relatedness needs, re-establishment of social identity, and reinforcement of cognitive–emotional regulation. Basketball represents a holistic psychosocial intervention merging physical exertion with emotional expression and collective belonging. Integrating structured basketball modules into survivorship care could transform psycho-oncological practice from passive therapy to participatory healing. Future mixed-method and longitudinal research should validate these mechanisms and optimise program implementation for diverse survivor populations.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 4100

Defining fear of cancer recurrence using Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis

by Chunmei Liu, Liu He

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 77 Views

The concept of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is defined and analyzed. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for relevant literature on fear of cancer recurrence in Chinese databases, including CNKI, WanFang, Weipu, and the China Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as in English databases such as PubMed and Web of Science. Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method was employed to analyze the selected literature. Results: Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis revealed that the concept of FCR encompassed psychological distress characteristics that dynamically evolved with disease manifestations. Antecedent variables included demographic factors, disease and treatment-related factors, psychological factors, and family and social influences. The consequences of this fear involved an exacerbation of negative emotional burdens among cancer patients, a detrimental impact on their health-related quality of life, and the emergence of maladaptive negative behaviors. Conclusion: FCR is a multidimensional and dynamic concept. Healthcare staff needs to incorporate FCR into clinical screening processes to improve the early identification of fear of cancer recurrence in cancer patients.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 4486

Comparative effects of different exercise interventions on the mental health of cancer patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

by Xiaocong Liu, Wenzhi Guo

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 34 Views

Background: Exercise is recognized as an effective non-pharmacological interven­tion to improve psychological outcomes in cancer patients, but comparative evidence across exercise types remains unclear. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials involving 4082 cancer patients was conducted to compare exercise modalities on quality of life and fatigue. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and moderation analyses examined interven­tion duration and personalization. Results: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) showed the greatest psychological benefits, producing the largest fatigue reduction (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.52–1.04). Interventions lasting 16–24 weeks demonstrated optimal overall effects. Higher levels of supervision significantly enhanced outcomes, with personalized programs outper­forming low-personalization approaches. Conclusion: HIIT and personalized, adequately long exercise programs provide the most effective psychological improvements for cancer patients. These findings support the integration of structured and individualized exercise pre­scriptions into routine cancer care.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 5587

Cognitive and emotional flexibility in sports: Volleyball as a neuropsychological training model in oncological care

by Xuelian Dong, Quan Zhou, Zifu Xu

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 24 Views

Cancer rehabilitation increasingly integrates exercise to improve quality of life and psychological adjustment. Yet, few approaches emphasize the neuropsychological dimension of sport participation, especially cognitively engaging team sports such as volleyball. This review explores how volleyball functions as a neuropsychological training model in oncology care, promoting cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and social reintegration among cancer survivors. A systematic narrative review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases (2010–2025), following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eight studies addressing volleyball or team-sport interventions in oncology populations were synthesized thematically. Evidence shows that volleyball participation improves executive function, attention, motivation, and resilience while reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. The sport’s cooperative, strategic nature enhances cognitive stimulation, emotional confidence, and group belonging. Adapted formats, such as sitting volleyball, extend accessibility to frail or paediatric survivors. Volleyball represents a multidimensional intervention bridging cognitive rehabilitation, emotional stability, and psychosocial identity reconstruction in cancer recovery. Integrating such cognitively enriched sports into oncology rehabilitation can strengthen both neural and emotional resilience.

Open Access

Review

Article ID: 5564

Educational applications of aerobic exercise in psycho-oncology: Teaching mind–body resilience through movement

by Jin Xu, Wenjing Guo, Jianmin Dai

Psycho-Oncologie , Vol.19, No.4, 2025; 0 Views

Cancer represents not only a biomedical condition but also a profound psychological and existential experience that challenges patients’ sense of agency and well-being. Within psycho-oncology, aerobic exercise has emerged as a powerful mind–body intervention that extends beyond physical rehabilitation to serve as an educational medium for cultivating resilience. This narrative review synthesizes theoretical, empirical, and pedagogical evidence to explore how structured aerobic activity can teach self-regulation, emotional awareness, and adaptive coping in cancer care. Drawing on biopsychosocial and neuropsychobiological models, the review demonstrates that rhythmic aerobic movement enhances mood, cognition, and physiological coherence while fostering reflective learning through embodied experience. Integrating these effects into psycho-oncological education transforms exercise into a cyclical process of physiological activation, emotional insight, reflection, and personal transformation. Implementing such movement-based pedagogy requires interdisciplinary collaboration, culturally sensitive adaptation, and reflective facilitation, yet it holds significant promise for both patients and healthcare professionals. Ultimately, teaching resilience through movement unites therapy and education, embodying the biopsychosocial principles of psycho-oncology and redefining recovery as a dynamic, experiential process through which individuals learn to move with awareness, strength, and purpose toward holistic well-being.