Social isolation, coping efficacy, and social well-being over time in patients with lung cancer

Background Little work has examined how coping efficacy and lung cancer-related social isolation relate to social well-being in the context of a patient’s computed tomography (CT) scan. Researchers tested the cross-sectional relationship of social isolation and social well-being, and the longitudinal relationship between coping efficacy and social well-being before CT scans. Method 25 patients with lung cancer, within 6 months of their upcoming CT scan, participated. Baseline surveys collected clinical information, demographics, and social isolation; repeated monthly surveys collected coping efficacy and social well-being every 30 days until one’s scan. Results [Cross-sectional] High levels of social isolation were associated with low levels of social well-being. [Longitudinal] On months patients reported high coping efficacy, they also reported increases in social well-being. Conclusions Social interventions may improve well-being among those with lung cancer as our work shows that getting and receiving support are strongly related to well-being in the time surrounding a scan.