Individual Sensitivity to Uncertainty and Executive Function of Individuals With Breast Cancer: Preliminary Findings.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and executive function (EF) in individuals with breast cancer.

SAMPLE &

SETTING

21 postmenopausal women aged 45-75 years with stage I-III breast cancer who completed chemotherapy 3-12 months before enrollment were included.

METHODS & VARIABLES: In this pilot cross-sectional study, participants completed a task to probe neural responses to unpredictable threats, and anterior insula activation indicated objective IU. EF was measured by a neuropsychological test. Other self-reported measures were used to assess anxiety and fatigue.

RESULTS

Results indicated that individuals with high objective IU demonstrated lower EF. No main effect of subjective IU on EF was found, and no mediation effect of anxiety on the relationship between IU and EF was found.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Healthcare providers need to consider IU when planning and providing survivorship education. Further research is needed to enhance the understanding of the role of IU on EF problems among individuals with breast cancer.