The role of social support in suicidal ideation among a sample of Hispanic/Latina patients with breast cancer
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective. This quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study explores the relationship between perceived social support, specifically examining support from family, friends, and partners, and the severity of suicidal ideation in a sample of 129 adult Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer in Puerto Rico. Methods. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Frequency of Suicidal Ideation Inventory (FSII) were utilized to measure perceived social support and suicidal ideation, respectively. According to the literature, female breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to those without a history of oncology, highlighting the necessity of assessing these variables concurrently. Results. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between overall perceived social support and suicidal ideation (r = -.241, p = .006). Partner support showed the strongest correlation (r = -.259, p = .003), followed by friend support (r = -.218, p = .013), while family support did not achieve statistical significance (r = -.164, p = .063). Additionally, a moderate and significant correlation was found between educational level and annual income (ρ = 0.614, p < 0.001), indicating a significant association between educational attainment and annual income within the sample. These results highlight the vital role of social support, especially from partners, in possibly reducing suicidal ideation. Conclusions.This study sheds light on important aspects of cancer care that should be taken into consideration when developing culturally sensitive interventions that incorporate social support into psycho-oncological care for Latina breast cancer survivors in Puerto Rico.
Source: Salud y conducta humana
DOI: 10.71332/6hgp4x52
Institution: Ponce Health Sciences University
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7162994725