Optimists tend to be more positive minded in life and see a bright future. They work hard and persist to reach goals. Optimism helps to adjust to different spheres of life such as biomedical health, mental and emotional health, and in relationships. They may have better health habits and are better able to manage their mood which helps with mental and emotional health (Gruman, 2016). Optimism can also be beneficial in managing a cancer diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis effects psychosocial well-being. There are many uncertainties and questions regarding treatment, side effects, cost, and whether they will survive. Social support and a “fighting spirit” can help to adjust to cancer. Optimism may help social support by encouraging relationships and can enhance internal self-locus of control which promotes a more positive outlook on a cancer diagnosis and surviving. One particular study, however, found a decrease in internal self-locus of control during diagnosis and treatment of cancer so this could be different with cancer patients as they feel their survival is related to clinical intervention. The study could not demonstrate a causal influence of optimism on cancer survivorship or social support as a positive affect usually draws social support (Hodges, 2012).
Optimism has also been shown to help adjust to chronic pain in cancer patients. Over 55% of terminal cancer patients and over 66% of advanced cancer patients experience pain. Some of this pain is caused by treatment. Having an optimistic outlook has been shown to positively affect quality of life and decrease pain and use of opioids. Although more research needs to be done in this area, the application of optimism could be a standard in cancer treatment care to help ease pain, side effects of opioids, and possibly avoid drug dependence (Forte, 2022).
Partner support can also increase optimism in those with cancer. A study showed that partner support provided high optimism and low hopelessness in patients and found good HRQL (Health Related Quality of Life) 8 months after diagnosis. However, partner optimism and hopelessness did not affect patient-perceived partner support. The study also found optimism and low hopelessness in women and partner support increased HRQL in women but low hopelessness in men showed better HRQL. This study pointed out there were gender differences in the effects of partner support which could relate to the tendency for women to seek and value social support (Gustavsson-Iilius, 2007).
Having a positive outlook on the future can be beneficial to those battling a cancer diagnosis. Optimism can help enhance quality of life and it can help ease pain from cancer and perhaps lessen the use of opioids to relieve pain. Studies have also shown that partner support can benefit quality of life. It’s even possible that the application of optimism could become a standard in cancer treatment.
References
Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology : Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated
Hodges, Kayleigh & Winstanley, Sue. (November 5, 2012). Effects of optimism, social support, fighting spirit, cancer worry and internal health locus of control on positive affect in cancer survivors: a path analysis. Stress and Health. Volume 28, Issue 5. Pages 408-415. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1002/smi.2471
Antonio J. Forte, Gunel Guliyeva, Heidi McLeod, Abd Moain Abu Dabrh, Manisha Salinas, Francisco R. Avila, Adam Perlman, The impact of optimism on cancer-related and postsurgical cancer pain: a systematic review, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Volume 63, Issue 2, 2022, Pages e203-e211, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.09.008.
Gustavsson-lilius, M., Julkunen, J., & Hietanen, P. (2007). Quality of life in cancer patients: The role of optimism, hopelessness, and partner support. Quality of Life Research, 16(1), 75-87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-006-9101-4