Psychosocial impact of sarcoma
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Date
2026-04-28
Authors
Beghean, Rahela
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Background: Sarcoma is a rare and heterogeneous cancer that can involve complex treatment, visible bodily change, functional disruption, uncertainty, and limited diagnosis-specific support. This thesis examined the psychosocial impact of sarcoma in adults, with a focus on adaptation and predictors of distress and wellbeing.
Methods: Two linked studies were conducted. Study 1 was a qualitative meta-synthesis of 40 studies exploring adults’ experiences of sarcoma. Study 2 was a cross-sectional survey of 164 adults with sarcoma examining psychosocial predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Results: Study 1 identified sarcoma as a cumulative psychosocial disruption across the illness trajectory, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and survivorship. Five themes were identified, showing how adults with sarcoma may experience diagnostic uncertainty, treatment-related threat, altered body image, functional loss, identity disruption, fear of recurrence, social disconnection, and unmet information and rehabilitation needs. Adaptation was understood as ongoing and non-linear, shaped by coping, meaning-making, family and peer support, continuity of care, rehabilitation, and access to sarcoma-informed professionals. Study 2 found high levels of distress, with 66.5% of participants reporting clinically significant anxiety and 46.3% reporting clinically significant depressive symptoms. Lower self-compassion and greater pain interference predicted both anxiety and depression, while body image distress additionally predicted depression. Perceived social support was high but did not independently predict distress.
Conclusion: Psychosocial distress in sarcoma is substantial, embodied, and shaped by individual and contextual factors. Findings support sarcoma-informed psychosocial assessment, integrated rehabilitation, and targeted interventions addressing pain-related disruption, body image distress, self-compassion, uncertainty, and adaptation.
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Keywords
Rare cancer , Sarcoma , Psychosocial Impact , Meta-synthesis , Predictor factors of distress and wellbeing
Citation
Beghean, R. 2026. Psychosocial impact of sarcoma. DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork.