Affect as a mediator between self-efficacy and quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors in China

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that self‐efficacy influences cancer survivors' quality of life. As most of the relevant findings are based on Caucasian cancer survivors, whether the same relationship holds among Asian cancer patients and through what mechanism self‐efficacy influences quality of life are unclear. This study examined the association between self‐efficacy and quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors, and proposed affect (positive and negative) as a mediator between self‐efficacy and quality of life. A sample of 238 Chinese cancer survivors (75% female, mean age = 55.7) were recruited from Beijing, China. Self‐efficacy, affect (positive and negative) and quality of life were measured in a questionnaire package. Self‐efficacy was positively associated with quality of life and positive affect, and negatively associated with negative affect. Path analyses revealed the direct effect from self‐efficacy to quality of life and the indirect effects from self‐efficacy to quality of life through positive affect and negative affect. The beneficial role of self‐efficacy in Chinese cancer survivors' quality of life and the mediating role of affect in explaining the relationship between self‐efficacy and quality of life are supported. Future interventions should include self‐care and affect regulation skills training to enhance cancer survivors' self‐efficacy and positive affect, as this could help to improve Chinese cancer survivors' quality of life.