Psycho-oncology: contemporary theoretical approaches and evidence in medical psychology
- Authors: Pchelkin M.A1, Razuvaeva T.N2
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Affiliations:
- Belgorod National Research University
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
- Issue: Vol 8, No 8 (2025)
- Pages: 216-225
- Section: ARTICLES
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/2658-3313/article/view/377635
- ID: 377635
Cite item
Abstract
generalized contemporary theoretical frameworks and the empirical base of psycho-oncology are presented as an integration of the biopsychosocial model with cognitive-behavioral, social-cognitive, and existential–meaning-oriented approaches. A narrative review of peer-reviewed sources (2015–2025; Russian- and English-language) prioritized clinical guidelines (ASCO, NCCN, ESMO), systematic reviews/meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and conceptual work on stress appraisal–coping, self-efficacy, meaning making, and post-traumatic growth. Synthesis indicates: depression, anxiety, clinically significant distress, and fear of cancer recurrence are highly prevalent and negatively associated with treatment adherence and quality of life; existential–meaning resources (sense of meaning, spirituality, value reappraisal) and social support act as buffers of psychological morbidity; validated psychosocial interventions—cognitive-behavioral programs, stress-management and mindfulness modules, as well as existentially oriented protocols (CALM, meaning-centered psychotherapy)—consistently reduce distress and improve quality-of-life outcomes across clinical contexts. Identified gaps include underdiagnosis and limited access to care, sample and cultural heterogeneity, constrained long-term durability of effects, the need for personalization and measure adaptation, and non-linear trajectories of post-traumatic growth. Practical implications: system-wide integration of mandatory distress screening at all treatment stages, targeted protocols for fear of recurrence, and hybrid (in-person/online) long-term support models; research priorities: mediators/moderators of effectiveness and psychobiological mechanisms of stress in oncology.
Keywords
psycho-oncology, psychosocial oncology, biopsychosocial model, psychological distress, depression, anxiety disorders, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), quality of life, stress appraisal–coping, self-efficacy, meaning in life, meaning making, post-traumatic growth (PTG), resilience, CALM, meaning-centered psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral interventions, mindfulness, distress screening, clinical guidelines (ASCO, NCCN, ESMO)
About the authors
M. A Pchelkin
Belgorod National Research University
T. N Razuvaeva
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
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