Association Between Emotion Regulation and Depression Among Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Emotion regulation skills play a key role in psychological adjustment during cancer treatment and may influence vulnerability to depression. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine depressive symptoms and emotion regulation skills among patients receiving chemotherapy and to explore the relationship between these variables. METHODS: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 100 patients undergoing chemotherapy in 2 oncology centers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a personal information form, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Emotion Regulation Skills Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Half of the participants exhibited clinically significant depressive symptoms. A significant, moderate negative correlation was found between depressive symptoms and emotion regulation skills (r = -0.666; P <.01). Emotion regulation skills emerged as the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (β = -0.562; P <.001). Higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with lower emotion regulation skills, with depression emerging as the strongest predictor in the model (β = -0.535; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing chemotherapy are at high risk for depression, and their ability to regulate emotions plays a central role in psychological well-being. Increasing depressive symptoms were associated with marked reductions in emotion regulation capacity. IMPLICATIONS FOR ONCOLOGY NURSING PRACTICE: Findings underscore the importance of integrating routine depression screening and emotion regulation-focused interventions into standard oncology care. Mindfulness-based approaches, brief psychoeducational programs, and supportive counseling may strengthen emotional resilience, enhance coping during chemotherapy, and improve overall quality of life for oncology patients.