Interpretation bias in breast cancer survivors experiencing fear of cancer recurrence Journal Article
| Authors: | Tuman, M.; Roberts, K. E.; Corner, G.; Beard, C.; Fadalla, C.; Coats, T.; Slivjak, E.; Schofield, E.; Lichtenthal, W. G. |
| Article Title: | Interpretation bias in breast cancer survivors experiencing fear of cancer recurrence |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is a prevalent and persistent challenge that many cancer survivors endure. While the role of interpretation bias, a tendency to perceive ambiguous situations as threatening, has been established in the onset and maintenance of FCR, few studies have examined cancer-related interpretation bias specifically. Grounded in the cognitive formulation of FCR, the current study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the relationship between cancer-related interpretation bias, FCR, and somatic symptoms, and examining whether bias mediates the relationship between somatic symptoms and FCR. Materials and Methods: This study used baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of a cognitive bias modification intervention. Breast cancer survivors (n = 110) provided demographic and medical background information as well as self-report measures of FCR and severity of somatic symptoms. A computer-based assessment of interpretation bias was used to measure cancer-related interpretation bias on several bias indices: percentage of cancer-related threat endorsement, and percentage of benign endorsement; mean reaction time (RT) for threat, and mean RT for benign endorsement. Results: Higher threat endorsement was linked to higher Overall Fear and emerged as a mediator of the relationship between overall somatic symptoms and Overall Fear. We also found that older age was related to longer benign endorsement RT. Conclusion: This study contributes understanding of factors related to cancer-related interpretation bias and provides evidence that bias may influence the relationship between somatic symptoms and FCR in cancer survivors. Copyright © 2021 Tuman, Roberts, Corner, Beard, Fadalla, Coats, Slivjak, Schofield and Lichtenthal. |
| Keywords: | breast cancer survivors; mediation; somatic symptoms; fear of cancer recurrence; interpretation bias |
| Journal Title: | Frontiers in Psychology |
| Volume: | 12 |
| ISSN: | 1664-1078 |
| Publisher: | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| Date Published: | 2021-11-01 |
| Start Page: | 682174 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.682174 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC8636426 |
| PUBMED: | 34867579 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 3 January 2022 -- Source: Scopus |
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119Lichtenthal -
23Tuman -
161Schofield -
8Coats -
2
Fadalla
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