Beyond basic psychological needs: The hope construct during adjuvant treatment in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

This study explored basic psychological needs (BPN) experiences, motivation to continue living, and psychological well-being in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during adjuvant treatment. Qualitative data from 30 participants (ten CRC patients, ten relatives and ten healthcare professionals) were collected by performing two sets of semi-structured interviews. Three categories were identified: (a) BPN frustration, (b) hope as a source of motivation, and (c) sources of hope. This last category included several subcategories: positive attitude, religious faith, positive medical feedback, knowing that they were going to receive a short-term chemotherapy, and being aware that other patients were in a worse condition. CRC patients felt their basic psychological needs were thwarted during adjuvant treatment. However, hopeful thoughts were reported as relevant sources of motivation to live, which positively impacted on patients’ psychological well-being. Future research could explore the construct of hope as a hypothetical moderator between BPN and CRC patients’ well-being during treatment.