PERCEIVED STIGMATIZATION, DEATH ANXIETY, AND FINANCIAL TOXICITY AS PREDICTORS OF QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG CANCER PATIENTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SELF-COMPASSION

Abstract

Cancer patients often experience psychological, social, and financial challenges that may adversely affect their quality of life. The present study aimed to examine the relationships of perceived stigmatization, death anxiety, and financial toxicity with quality of life among cancer patients, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of self-compassion. A correlational research design was employed, and the sample consisted of 59 cancer patients. Pearson product–moment correlation analysis was conducted to examine the associations among the study variables, while mediation analyses were performed to explore the potential mediating role of self-compassion in the relationships between perceived stigmatization, death anxiety, financial toxicity, and quality of life. The findings revealed that perceived stigmatization (r = −.42, p < .01), death anxiety (r = −.51, p < .01), and financial toxicity (r = −.48, p < .01) were significantly negatively correlated with quality of life. Furthermore, perceived stigmatization was positively associated with death anxiety (r = .46, p < .01) and financial toxicity (r = .38, p < .01), while death anxiety was positively associated with financial toxicity (r = .34, p < .01). The mediation analyses indicated that perceived stigmatization, death anxiety, and financial toxicity negatively predicted self-compassion, whereas self-compassion positively predicted quality of life across the three models. The direct effects of all three predictors on quality of life remained statistically significant after accounting for self-compassion. These findings suggest that perceived stigmatization, death anxiety, and financial toxicity are important correlates of reduced quality of life among cancer patients, while self-compassion may represent a potential psychological resource associated with better quality of life. However, the statistical significance of the indirect effects requires confirmation through bootstrapped confidence intervals. The study highlights the potential value of psychosocial support and self-compassion-focused interventions in promoting the well-being of cancer patients.