The role of brain/behavioral systems in prediction of clinical psychological symptoms in cancer patients

Introduction: There are few studies about the role of personality in predicting cancer-related clinical-psychological symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of behavioral brain systems in predicting clinical psychological symptoms in cancer patients. Methods: The present research is descriptive-correlational. A sample of 100 patients with cancer was selected using available sampling method. To evaluate variables, Carver and White (1994), BIS/BAS Scales and Symptom Checklist-25 (SCl-25), were used respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS-20 software and Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression tests. Results: The findings showed that there was a significant positive correlation between behavioral activation system and paranoid thoughts (P <0/01) and negative correlation with depression (P <0/01). There is also a positive relationship between the inhibition system and all of the psychological symptoms. Conclusion: Brain-behavioral systems can predict the psychological symptoms in cancer patients. By identifying these systems, it is possible to identify patients who are susceptible to psychological symptoms and take preventive measures.