The Development and Validation of the Psychological Needs of Cancer Patients Scale

Abstract

In the present research, the Psychological Needs of Cancer Patients Scale (PNCPS) was developed and validated. Based on Group 1 (400 cancer patients), the exploratory factor analysis identified a 23-item scale with six factors: value and esteem (five items, i.e., reconsider the meaning and purpose of life), independence and control (six items, i.e., private space), mental car (three items, i.e., vent negative emotions), disease care (three items, i.e., acquire knowledge about disease), belonging and companionship (three items, i.e., spend more time at home), and security (three items, i.e., living conditions be better). The structure identified with Group 1 was further tested, based on Group 2 (199 cancer patients), for reliability and validity. The results showed that PNCPS has a clear factor structure and good psychometric characteristics. By taking into account the cultural background of Chinese patients, this scale will advance the study of the psychological needs of those with malignant tumors and thus has a certain reference value for other countries.