# Latent profiles and influencing factors of sense of coherence in patients with advanced cancer: A cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study identifies three distinct profiles of sense of coherence in advanced cancer patients and finds that disease perception and psychological resources influence it.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel classification of sense of coherence profiles and links them to generalized resistance resources in advanced cancer patients.

## Key findings

- Three SOC profiles identified: low SOC and low comprehensibility, moderate SOC and high meaningfulness, and high SOC and high manageability.
- SOC was influenced by self-perceived disease severity and generalized resistance resources like optimism, self-esteem, and inner peace.
- Tailored psychological interventions may improve SOC in advanced cancer patients.

## Abstract

This study aims to identify the latent profiles of sense of coherence (SOC) in patients with advanced cancer and explore its influencing factors encompassing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and generalized resistance resources (GRRs).

A cross-sectional study of 262 patients with advanced cancer was conducted by convenience sampling in Guangzhou, China, from September 2023 to July 2024. Data were collected including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, SOC-13, Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Inner Peace State Scale (IPSS), Gratitude Questionnaire-6 (GQ-6), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Statistical analysis was performed using latent profile analysis (LPA) and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Three latent profiles of SOC were identified: low SOC and low comprehensibility group (29.01%), moderate SOC and high meaningfulness group (40.08%), and high SOC and high manageability group (30.91%). This study found that SOC was impacted by self-perceived severity of the disease and GRRs including optimism, self-esteem, and inner peace (P < 0.05).

SOC in patients with advanced cancer exhibited different characteristics. Enhancing positive disease perception and GRRs including optimism, self-esteem, and inner peace may be effective strategies for improving their SOC. Healthcare professionals can formulate strategies such as tailored health education, symptom management, and positive psychological interventions to enhance SOC in patients with advanced cancer.