A latent classes analysis to detect cognitive and emotional profiles in cancer patients

Abstract

Thought style has been described as a mediator between cancer diagnosis and the emotional response to cancer. Describe the latent profiles related to thought style (rumination, cognitive engagement, and cognitive avoidance) and emotional response in a sample of cancer patients. 159 cancer patients were assessed prior to starting treatment. Measurement instruments used were HADS, Cancer response thought style inventory, distress thermometer, and PTGI. Analysis of latent classes to explore profiles of who share the same thought style. The solution had 4 subgroups: first group was avoidance, the means for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic growth were the lowest of the four groups. The second group was rumination, presenting highest scores for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic growth. The third group was indeterminate, this group presented low anxiety and depression. The fourth group, with cognitive engagement presented low anxiety and depression and post-traumatic growth was high.