Self-disclosure in Adult Patients With Cancer: Structural Equation Modeling

Background: Health-related self-disclosure has been studied in various aspects, as has self-disclosure of cancer patients. However, any theoretical models that comprehensively include self-disclosure events, factors associated with self-disclosure, and the outcomes of self-disclosure of cancer patients have not yet been presented. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between self-disclosure, perception toward cancer, intention for self-disclosure, level and range of self-disclosure, social support, and well-being in adult patients with cancer. Methods: Data were collected from adult cancer patients via an online survey using self-report questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The data from 359 participants were included in the final analysis. Results: Positive intention for self-disclosure was a significant predictor of both self-disclosure level and range, whereas negative perception toward cancer significantly decreased self-disclosure level. The self-disclosure level significantly improved both social support and well-being, whereas the self-disclosure range did not present a significant impact on social support and well-being. Conclusion: Self-disclosure is closely associated with social support and well-being, and self-disclosure can be promoted by improving negative perceptions and positive intentions about self-disclosure. In addition, to improve the social support and well-being of cancer patients, it suggests increasing the self-disclosure depth level rather than widening the range of self-disclosure. Implications for practice: The results of this study can be used as evidence for the development of nursing intervention programs to reduce negative perceptions toward cancer and improve positive intentions and levels of self-disclosure among cancer patients.