Self-efficacy, Self-esteem, Cancer Coping, and Psychosocial Adjustment in Women With Gynecological Cancer in Turkey: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Women diagnosed with gynecological cancer face significant psychosocial challenges that impact their self-efficacy, self-esteem, and coping abilities. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective psychosocial interventions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationships between self-efficacy, self-esteem, cancer coping strategies, and psychosocial adjustment in women with gynecological cancer in Turkey.

METHODS

This correlational cross-sectional study involved 105 women with gynecological cancer from 2 university hospitals in Turkey. Data were collected using the General Self-efficacy Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, Cancer Coping Questionnaire, and Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale. Statistical analyses included independent t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression.

RESULTS

The mean psychosocial adjustment score was 70.22 ± 4.60. Significant negative correlations were found between psychosocial adjustment and self-efficacy (r = -0.572, P = .001), self-esteem (r = -0.277, P = .004), and cancer coping (r = -0.581, P = .001). Hierarchical regression revealed that self-efficacy (β = -0.462, P = .001), cancer coping (β = -0.280, P = .001), and treatment type (β = -0.332, P = .001) collectively explained 55% of the variance in psychosocial adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-efficacy and coping strategies significantly influence psychosocial adjustment in women with gynecological cancer, whereas self-esteem showed no significant effect. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to strengthen self-efficacy and coping mechanisms in women with gynecological cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should implement structured interventions to enhance self-efficacy and coping strategies, as these factors are key to improving psychosocial adjustment and overall well-being in women undergoing gynecological cancer treatment.