Affective dynamic of cancer patients: Narrative review and recommendations to experience sampling method

Abstract

Introduction: In psycho-oncology, research into the affective dynamics and regulation is still scarce. Consequently, the first aim of this study is to carry out a state of works on affective dynamics using experience sampling method in cancer patients through a narrative review of the literature. Then, its second objective is to enable researchers and psychologist to implement this method with cancer patients, by proposing recommendations. Results: Our narrative review (n = 6) highlights significant affective variations throughout the day in cancer patients, thus intra-individual relationships between affects and other variables such as fatigue. However, it is important to note that the studies reviewed present heterogeneous protocols, and that none of them targets affective dynamics and their relationships with regulatory processes. The second part of the results is based on the studies reviewed, and includes recommendation for conducting studies using experience sampling method. Conclusion: Our narrative review highlights the value of developing studies based on experience sampling method from cancer patients. The use of this method, within the rigorous framework established, would make it possible to obtain valid indices of affective dynamics that would provide a better understanding of affective regulation to cope illness in ecological environment.