Symptom Experiences in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: Relationships to Activity Engagement, Value-based Living, and Psychological Inflexibility

Abstract

Objective

This study examined symptom-based subgroups of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients and the extent to which they differed across key constructs of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Methods

Eighty women with MBC completed self-report surveys assessing ten common symptoms and several ACT variables (i.e., activity engagement, psychological inflexibility, value obstruction, and value progress) during a single time point.

Results

A cluster analysis yielded three patient subgroups: low symptoms, low-moderate symptoms, and moderate-high symptoms. Relative to the subgroup with low symptoms, the other subgroups reported less activity engagement. In addition, compared to patients with low symptoms, the subgroup with moderate-high symptoms reported greater psychological inflexibility (i.e., avoidance of unwanted internal experiences) and greater difficulty living consistently with their values.

Conclusions

Women with MBC show heterogeneity in their symptom profiles, and those with higher symptom burden are more likely to disengage from valued activities and avoid unwanted experiences (e.g., thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations). Findings are largely consistent with the ACT model and provide strong justification for testing ACT to address symptom interference in MBC patients.

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