Jones and associates examined demographic and clinical variables associated with mood and health-related distress in a sample of 440 women completing primary treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The authors' aim was to test the hypothesis that higher levels of self-efficacy and perceived preparedness for the end of treatment--the reentry phase--are associated with better mood and lower health-related distress in this sample. Women who had received chemotherapy and who were younger (<50 years) had significantly higher mood disturbance and health-related distress scores. Younger age, preparedness, and self-efficacy predicted 36% of the variance in mood disturbance scores. Self-efficacy and age predicted 26% of the variance in health-related distress.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: Although further research is needed, the investigators findings suggest that self-efficacy and perceived preparedness represent important constructs to target in the development of interventions for women at the reentry transition.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: This innovative study warrants further research. It appears as if self-efficacy and preparedness could offer a major breakthrough for women with breast cancer.

JM Jones et al. Self-efficacy, perceived preparedness, and psychological distress in women completing primary treatment for breast cancer. Journal of Psychological Oncology, 2020;28;269-290.