A Path Analysis: A Model of Depression in Korean Women With Breast Cancer-Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem and Hope

Purpose/Objectives: To test a hypothetical model of depression in Korean women with breast cancer and to test the mediating effects of self-esteem and hope.

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Setting: Participants were recruited from three general hospitals and one cancer hospital in Busan, South Korea.

Sample: 214 Korean women diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I-III).

Methods: All participants completed questionnaires (e.g., Zung Self-Rating Depression scale, Herth Hope Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Health Self-Rating Scale in Health and Activity survey, Kang's Family Support Scale). Based on the literature, Mplus, version 3.0, was used to determine the best depression model with path analysis.

Main Research Variables: Depression, self-esteem, hope, perceived health status, religious beliefs, family support, economic status, and fatigue.

Findings: Self-esteem was directly affected by perceived health status, religious beliefs, family support, economic status, and fatigue. Hope was directly affected by family support, self-esteem, and how patients perceived their health status. Depression was directly affected by self-esteem and hope. The path analysis model explained 31% of the variance in depression in Korean women with breast cancer.

Conclusions: A model of depression in Korean women with breast cancer was developed, and self-esteem and hope were mediating factors of depression.

Implications for Nursing: Self-esteem and hope must be considered when developing services to reduce depression in Korean women with breast cancer.