Investigating the cognitive precursors of emotional response to cancer stress: re-testing Lazarus's transactional model

Hulbert-Williams, N. J., Morrison, V., Wilkinson, Clare Elizabeth and Neal, Richard D. 2013. Investigating the cognitive precursors of emotional response to cancer stress: re-testing Lazarus's transactional model. British Journal of Health Psychology 181 (1) , pp. 97-121. 10.1111/j.2044-8287.2012.02082.x

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Abstract

Objectives. Lazarus's Transactional Model of stress and coping underwent significant theoretical development through the 1990s to better incorporate emotional reactions to stress with their appraisal components. Few studies have robustly explored the full model. This study aimed to do so within the context of a major life event: cancer diagnosis. Design. A repeated measures design was used whereby data were collected using self-report questionnaire at baseline (soon after diagnosis), and 3- and 6-month follow-up. Methods. A total of 160 recently diagnosed cancer patients were recruited (mean time since diagnosis = 46 days). Their mean age was 64.2 years. Data on appraisals, core-relational themes, and emotions were collected. Data were analysed using both Spearman's correlation tests and multivariate regression modelling. Results: Longitudinal analysis demonstrated weak correlation between change scores of theoretically associated components and some emotions correlated more strongly with cognitions contradicting theoretical expectations. Cross-sectional multivariate testing of the ability of cognitions to explain variance in emotion was largely theory inconsistent. Conclusions. Although data support the generic structure of the Transactional Model, they question the model specifics. Larger scale research is needed encompassing a wider range of emotions and using more complex statistical testing.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Publisher:	British Psychological Society
ISSN:	1359-107X
Last Modified:	06 Jul 2023 01:35
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/42319

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