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Coping with physical and psychological symptoms: a qualitative study of advanced lung cancer patients and their family caregivers

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Abstract

Purpose

Advanced lung cancer patients have high rates of multiple physical and psychological symptoms, and many of their family caregivers experience significant distress. However, little is known about strategies that these patients and their family caregivers employ to cope with physical and psychological symptoms. This study aimed to identify strategies for coping with various physical and psychological symptoms among advanced, symptomatic lung cancer patients and their primary family caregivers.

Methods

Patients identified their primary family caregiver. Individual semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 advanced, symptomatic lung cancer patients and primary family caregivers. Thematic analysis of interview data was framed by stress and coping theory.

Results

Patients and caregivers reported maintaining a normal routine and turning to family and friends for support with symptom management, which often varied in its effectiveness. Whereas support from health-care professionals and complementary and alternative medicine were viewed favorably, reactions to Internet and in-person support groups were mixed due to the tragic nature of participants’ stories. Several cognitive coping strategies were frequently reported (i.e., changing expectations, maintaining positivity, and avoiding illness-related thoughts) as well as religious coping strategies.

Conclusions

Results suggest that advanced lung cancer patients and caregivers may be more receptive to cognitive and religious approaches to symptom management and less receptive to peer support. Interventions should address the perceived effectiveness of support from family and friends.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grant RR025761 from the National Center for Research Resources and grant K07CA168883 from the National Cancer Institute. The authors would like to thank the study participants and Heather A. Jaynes and Joseph G. Winger for their assistance.

Conflict of interest

Remuneration and stock ownership in Eli Lilly, Inc. (M. Ott). The authors have full control of all primary data and agree to allow the journal to review their data if requested.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 North Blackford Street, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Catherine E. Mosher

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 West 10th Street, Suite 1001, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Mary A. Ott

  3. Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Cancer Pavilion, 535 Barnhill Drive, Room 473, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Nasser Hanna & Shadia I. Jalal

  4. Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive, NU 340G, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA

    Victoria L. Champion

Authors
  1. Catherine E. Mosher
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  2. Mary A. Ott
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  3. Nasser Hanna
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  4. Shadia I. Jalal
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  5. Victoria L. Champion
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catherine E. Mosher.

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Mosher, C.E., Ott, M.A., Hanna, N. et al. Coping with physical and psychological symptoms: a qualitative study of advanced lung cancer patients and their family caregivers. Support Care Cancer 23, 2053–2060 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2566-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2566-8

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