Aims: To (1) clarify the key components of resilience of adults with cancer, (2) summarise and analyse the resilience measures used in this population, and (3) discuss future evaluation directions.
Methods: An umbrella review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines (JBI). Seven databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Epistemonikos, were searched in December 2023. Systematic and narrative reviews that defined resilience in adults with cancer, reported resilience measures, and published in English were included. The methodological quality was assessed using the JBI appraisal tool. An inductive thematic synthesis was conducted to identify resilience components. Resilience measures were summarised and their dimensions mapped against identified resilience components to examine their capacity to comprehensively capture the features of resilience of cancer population.
Results: Thirteen eligible reviews were included. Four key resilience components from various resilience conceptualisations were identified. Nineteen resilience measures were used among cancer patients, with the 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale providing a relatively comprehensive assessment of individual resilience. Recommended future research with cancer patients includes assessing these resilience components: (1) available individual resources - key psychological factors that enhance individual resilience; (2) access to social resources - close interpersonal relationships, family cohesion, and social support; (3) adaptive coping ability - problem-solving skills, emotional management strategies, and experiences in managing adversity; (4) ability to regain mental health and well-being - the capacity to recover a relatively stable psychological state and promote positive psychological functioning.
Conclusion: The findings provide evidence for refining future resilience measurement in the adult cancer population. Understanding the key components of resilience of cancer patients can help healthcare professionals identify individuals who may need further support and facilitate early intervention or referral to psychosocial support services. The 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale is recommended over other tools for use in the cancer population.