The Relationship of Psychological Wellbeing and Psychological Hardiness With the Mediating Role of Social Support in Women With Breast Cancer

Aims: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the first cause of cancer death. This study aims to determine the relationship between psychological wellbeing and psychological hardiness with the mediating role of social support in women with breast cancer. Methods & Materials This research was a correlation study based on Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study population consisted of women with breast cancer living in Mazandaran Province, Iran, in 2017. For this study, a sample of 236 patients with breast cancer was selected by the random sampling method. Then, Ryff psychological welfare questionnaire, Ahvaz hardiness inventory, and Berlin social support scales were administered to them. The obtained data were analyzed using the SEM. Findings: The correlation between variables of psychological wellbeing and psychological hardiness with social support was significant (P<0.001). Fit indices indicated an appropriate fit for the proposed model (P<0.05). There was also a significant relationship between psychological hardiness and psychological wellbeing through social support (P<0.05). Conclusion: Considering the importance of preserving and improving the quality of life of patients with breast cancer, the evaluation of psychological hardiness, and social support with psychological wellbeing, and proper intervention to improve the mental health of these patients, is recommended.