The trajectories of psychosocial adjustment among young to middle-aged women with breast cancer: A prospective longitudinal study

Purpose This study aims to explore heterogeneous trajectories of psychosocial adjustment among young to middle-aged women with breast cancer and determine the predictive factors influencing these trajectories. Methods This study was conducted from October 2019 to October 2022 across two hospitals in Guangzhou. Demographic and disease characteristics, psychosocial adjustment, self-efficacy, social support, and coping modes were collected at baseline. Follow-up evaluations of psychosocial adjustment occurred at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery. Latent class growth modeling identified distinct patterns of psychosocial adjustment trajectories. Logistic regression analysis determined the predictive factors. Results A total of 377 young to middle-aged women with breast cancer participated in this study, with 289 participants completing the 6-month follow-up. Three distinct trajectories of psychosocial adjustment were identified including a "sustained severe maladjustment" trajectory, comprising 22.5% of participants, a "sustained moderate maladjustment" trajectory, comprising 50.4% of participants, and a "well-adjusted class" trajectory, comprising 27.1% of participants. Predictors of psychosocial adjustment trajectories included affected side, surgical type, chemotherapy, self-efficacy, social support, and coping modes. Conclusions This study revealed three distinct trajectories of psychosocial adjustment among young to middle-aged women with breast cancer. Those with right-sided breast cancer, undergoing total mastectomy, receiving chemotherapy, low self-efficacy, limited social support, and relying on confrontation or avoidance coping modes may experience sustained maladjustment.