Stress Management Strategies and the Contribution of Self-efficacy and Emotional Expression to Breast Cancer Patients.

Abstract

Introduction: The complexity of a psychologically stressful event prompts individuals to use different means to
resolve it. The two main strategies into which these efforts are classified are addressing the problem by eliminating
the sources that create it and focusing on the emotion by trying to maintain mental balance. Objective: The present
study examines stress management strategies, self-efficacy expectations, and finally emotional disclosure using the
use of expressive writing techniques through a diary in people experiencing difficult conditions, such as people with
breast cancer. Material and methods: The data collection was based on the contemporary search of Greek and international articles of the last decades in the Medline OvidSP, PubMed publisher and Google Scholar databases with the
following keywords: stress, strategic stress, self-efficacy, emotional disclosure, expressive writing and breast cancer.
Results: Literature review shows ways on how to deal with stress-related health issues applying to problem-focused
efforts and efforts made by the individual to feel better by controlling their emotional response and focusing on feeling. In many cases the two types of coping strategies are used at the same time, and one may initially use the emotion
strategy and long-term problem solving. Self-efficacy also has an impact on cognitive and emotional functioning, and
its expectations also influence stress management. In addition, emotional social support contributes to commitment
to therapy, while emotional disclosure of stressful experiences through expressive writing has many physical and mental health benefits. Conclusions: Stress management strategies adopted by the patient, depending on their personalcharacteristics and social environment, has a positive impact on both their physical and mental health. However,
the choice of strategic management must also go hand in hand with the appropriate treatment that the physician is
advised to recommend in order to maximize the benefits of this procedure. Finally, more research is needed on the
mechanism by which emotional disclosure works to improve patient health, especially when expressed through new
forms of electronic social networking