The link between value motives, value success, and well-being among people diagnosed with cancer

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between cancer patient's values and cancer related distress. Method: A total of 107 patients with cancer diagnoses completed an anonymous questionnaire. Results: Less self-regulating motivation for health values was significantly related to poorer well-being. Greater success at living one's values was significantly related to improved well-being and distress-related outcomes. Sex difference analysis suggested that success at friendship values was linked to less cancer-related distress among women, but not men, whereas success at romantic relationship values was linked to less distress among men, but not women. Conclusion: The results have important implications for values focused interventions, highlighting the importance of facilitating success at valued living and attending to sex differences among cancer patients. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.