The role of perseverance on the association between resilience and subjective cognitive decline among Middle-aged and older cancer survivors in Nigeria

PURPOSE: Although resilience and perseverance are known for their physical health benefits, evidence on their effects on cognitive health, specifically subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among cancer survivors, is limited. This study examined the associations between resilience, perseverance of effort, and their interaction on SCD among cancer survivors in Nigeria. METHODS: = 146; Mage = 52.3 years) completed measures of resilience, SCD, and socio-demographic characteristics. Multiple linear regression model was fit to assess associations between resilience, and perseverance of effort (a grit subscale), with SCD. The model also tested the moderation effect of perseverance of effort on the association between resilience and SCD, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, years since diagnosis, and depression. Probing the moderation result revealed that the protective effect of resilience on SCD was strongest at low perseverance, weaker at moderate perseverance, and nonsignificant at high perseverance, indicating that the benefit of resilience diminishes as perseverance increases. CONCLUSION: This study highlights psychosocial factors influencing SCD among cancer survivors in Nigeria. Resilience and perseverance may be protective, but high perseverance reduced resilience's benefit. Interventions should build resilience while promoting flexibility and help-seeking. Routine screening for SCD and psychosocial factors may enable early detection in low-resource settings.