The relationship between emotional adjustment and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer

Breast cancer is a prevalent health issue globally, often accompanied by psychological distress such as depressive symptoms. This study investigated the relationship between emotional adjustment and depressive symptoms in 120 women with stage I to III breast cancer attending hospitals affiliated with Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Participants were at least six months post-treatment, literate, and free from other chronic illnesses or psychiatric conditions. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Emotional Adjustment Questionnaire, and the KDS-II depressive symptoms scale. Results showed a significant positive correlation between emotional adjustment and depressive symptoms (r = 0.30, p = 0.001). Multiple regression revealed emotional adjustment as a significant predictor of depressive symptom severity (β = 0.20). Employment status and age were also associated with depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that maladaptive emotional adjustment may increase depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of psychological interventions to enhance emotional coping and improve mental health in women with breast cancer.