Abstract
Objective
Despite the increasing scholarly attention toward self‐stigma among Asian breast cancer survivors, research is limited about the underlying psychological mechanisms by which self‐stigma may influence quality of life for this population. The present study investigated how self‐stigma is associated with quality of life among Chinese American breast cancer survivors by examining the serial mediating effects of concerns about breast cancer, self‐efficacy for coping with cancer, and depressive symptoms.
Methods
Chinese American breast cancer survivors (n = 112) completed a questionnaire packet assessing self‐stigma related to breast cancer, concerns about breast cancer, self‐efficacy for coping with cancer, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized serial multiple mediation model.
Results
The hypothesized model was supported: self‐stigma was negatively associated with quality of life through concerns about breast cancer, self‐efficacy, and depressive symptoms. After the mediators were controlled for, the direct effect of self‐stigma on quality of life was no longer significant.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that concerns about breast cancer, self‐efficacy for coping, and depressive symptoms are important pathways through which self‐stigma may influence quality of life among Chinese American breast cancer survivors. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of survivors’ self‐stigma and make efforts to alleviate survivors’ excessive cancer concerns, facilitate their self‐efficacy, and offer emotional support to improve quality of life for this population.