Perceived Social Support and Coping Among Indian Female Cancer Patients

Abstract

The present study explores the relationship between perceived social support and coping strategies among Indian female cancer patients. Grounded in the Stress and Coping Theory and the Biopsychosocial Model, this research aimed to examine whether higher levels of perceived social support are associated with the use of adaptive coping mechanisms. A sample of 282 female patients diagnosed with breast, cervical or ovarian cancer was selected through purposive sampling. Participants completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Cancer Coping Questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a very weak, non-significant negative relationship between perceived social support and coping strategies. These findings suggest that, contrary to the initial hypothesis and prior literature, perceived social support did not significantly influence coping strategies within this sample. The results highlight the need to consider contextual and cultural factors that may shape how social support is experienced and utilised in coping with cancer. Potential explanations for these findings include the quality of support, cultural dynamics of caregiving, individual psychological resilience, and illness-related variables. This study underscores the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in psychosocial oncology and opens avenues for future research to explore deeper, qualitative dimensions of support and coping in Indian cancer care.