Analysis of the actor-partner interdependence effect of social support on benefit finding in advanced lung cancer patients and caregivers

Abstract

Abstract Purpose:The mental health of patients with advanced lung cancer and their primary caregivers may influence each other. This study used dyadic analyses to explore the dyadic effects of social support on benefit finding and whether hope level mediates the patient-caregiver dichotomy in advanced lung cancer. Methods: 295 pairs of patients with advanced lung cancer and primary caregivers completed the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Herth Hope Index (HHI), and the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS). Dyadic analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Results: The results indicated that for both patients and their primary caregivers, hope level mediated the actor effect of social support on benefit finding; social support was positively associated with hope level and further enhanced benefit finding. Regarding partner effects, primary caregivers' social support had a significant indirect effect on patients' benefit finding through patients' hope level. Conclusion: There is an interaction between social support, hope level, and benefit finding in patients with advanced lung cancer and their primary caregivers. Healthcare professionals should be mindful of identifying vulnerable patients and caregivers with poorer social support and hope levels and develop effective targeted interventions to improve benefit finding for patients with advanced lung cancer and caregivers.