Relation of social constraints on disclosure to adjustment among Chinese American cancer survivors: A multiprocesses approach

PURPOSE: The present study examines the association between social constraints and depressive symptoms among Chinese American breast cancer survivors, and the mechanism underling this association. A multiprocesses model is tested to examine the mediating roles of ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE), avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and social support in the association between social constraints and depressive symptoms among Chinese American breast cancer survivors.

METHODS: Ninety-six Chinese American breast cancer survivors were recruited from Chinese community organizations. They were asked to complete a questionnaire package that assessed social constraints, AEE, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, social support, depressive symptoms, and demographic information. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized model.

RESULTS: The overall and specific indirect effects of social constraints on depressive symptoms through AEE, avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and social support are significant. When the mediators are controlled for, the direct effect of social constraints on depressive symptoms is no longer significant.

CONCLUSIONS: A multiprocesses model of social constraints and depressive symptoms is tested in a sample of Chinese American breast cancer survivors. The findings suggest that the existence of multiple pathways through which social constraints may associate with depressive symptoms among Chinese American breast cancer survivors.