Factors affecting hardiness in cancer patients: A case study of the Indonesian cancer foundation

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients are usually filled with fear and anxiety but hardiness is a personal characteristic that makes them stronger, resistant, and optimistic in dealing with the pressures related to the disease. There are, however, several factors influencing hardiness and those include social support, parenting, and selfconfidence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify these factors in cancer patients at the Indonesian Cancer Foundation in Surabaya. Design and Methods: The study made use of observational design with a population of 70 and a total sample of 64 cancer patients were selected as respondents using simple random sampling. The research instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire and results were analyzed using Spearman statistical test. Results: The results showed social support was 0.009, parenting patterns was 0.035, and confidence was 0.647. Therefore, H1 was accepted and this means there was a relationship between support and hardiness, as well as parenting patterns and hardiness. Moreover, H0 was also accepted and this indicates self-confidence did not have any influence on hardiness. Conclusions: In conclusion, providing adequate support and good parenting have the ability to increase hardiness.