Evaluating the role of perceived injustice in mental health outcomes in cervical cancer care
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Authors
Lynch, Julie
D’Alton, Paul
Gaynor, Keith
Issue Date
2022-04-21
Type
Article
Language
en_US
Keywords
Perceived Injustice , Mental Health , Cancer Support , Cervical Cancer , Open Disclosure
Alternative Title
Abstract
Purpose:
Perceived injustice is a novel psychosocial construct which reflects negative cognitive appraisals of blame, unfairness, and the severity and irreparability of one’s loss. Experiences of injustice are increasingly recognised as a key determinant of recovery outcomes in healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of perceived injustice on psychological outcomes amongst a group of cancer patients and survivors who received false-negative smear results under a National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme (CervicalCheck).
Methods:
Women who received false-negative smear results who were involved in the CervicalCheck controversy in Ireland completed online measures of perceived injustice (IEQ), psychological distress (depression and anxiety as measured by the HADS), and satisfaction with care (PSCC) (n = 144).
Results:
Rates of psychological distress in this sample were high, with 76% scoring in the clinical range for anxiety, 51% in the clinical range for depression, and 88% in the clinical range for perceived injustice. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that perceived injustice contributed unique variance to the prediction of depression and anxiety. Satisfaction with care significantly moderated the association between perceived injustice and depression.
Conclusions:
Cancer patients who report high levels of perceived injustice are at greater risk for experiencing psychological distress. The relationship between perceived injustice and depression may vary as a function of satisfaction with care. Addressing issues of perceived injustice in the psychosocial and rehabilitative care of cancer patients may support the early identification of those at risk of significant psychological distress and enhance intervention success. Implications for policy and practice in healthcare are discussed.
Description
Citation
Lynch, J., D'Alton, P., & Gaynor, K. (2022). Evaluating the role of perceived injustice in mental health outcomes in cervical cancer care. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 30(7), 6215–6223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07060-z
Publisher
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer