Experiential Avoidance in Advanced Cancer: a Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

People with advanced cancer experience psychological distress due to physical symptoms, functional decline, and a limited prognosis. Difficult thoughts, feelings, and emotions may exacerbate distress and lead to avoidance of these experiences which is sometimes referred to as experiential avoidance (EA). Advanced cancer patients may be more likely to engage in EA especially when no obvious solutions to their problems exist. This study aims to examine the terms used to describe EA, the processes that might indicate EA, associations between EA and psychological distress, and to understand why individuals might engage in EA.

Methods

A mixed-methods review. Literature search of Medline, Embase, Psych INFO, and CINAHL 1980-October 2019.

Inclusion

adults ≥ 18 yea

SUBMITTER: Davis S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10522753 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature