The mechanism of family adaptability and cohesion in suicidal ideation among Chinese cancer patients
Yi Zhou, Deying Hu, Keke Zhang, Jing Mao, Fen Teng, Ting Yu, Ke Xu, Rong Tan, Xiaoping Ding, Yilan Liu
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to investigate how family adaptability and cohesion, coping styles and depression affect suicide ideation in patients with malignant tumors. This study also aimed to examine the potential mechanisms of family adaptability and cohesion in suicidal ideation. METHODS: -test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rho correlation, and logistic regression analysis were used. Path analysis was used to examine the relationships among family adaptability and cohesion, coping styles, depression and suicidal ideation. RESULTS: A total of 55 (15.4%) cancer patients reported suicidal ideation in the prior 2 weeks. Logistic regression analysis showed that cancer stage, depression, family cohesion, and avoidance were independently associated with suicidal ideation. Path analysis demonstrated that family adaptability and cohesion indirectly affected suicidal ideation, as mediated by coping styles and depression. Family cohesion also directly affected suicidal ideation among cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that family adaptability, family cohesion and confrontation coping strategies are protective factors against suicidal ideation in cancer patients. Improving the family support system and coping styles may be used to prevent suicide ideation in cancer patients in the future. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY: Enhancing the family adaptability and cohesion of patients will help medical staff improve family support function effectively and eliminate suicidal ideation.