Exploring the nature of situational goal-based coping in early-stage breast cancer patients: A contextual approach

Early-stage breast cancer patients utilised goal-based coping in response to many instances of goal-specific interference encountered during the study period. While the initial or delayed activation of these processes appeared generally adaptive, there was also evidence of maladaptive coping and blocked goal pursuit. Further insight into the nature of adaptive and maladaptive goal-based coping in this context could help oncology nurses facilitate ongoing personal goal pursuit and psychological resilience across the cancer continuum.