The Mediating Effects in the Relationship Among Symptoms, Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: Evidence From a Scoping Review

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: Little is known about the potential mechanisms (i.e., the mediating effects) in the relationship among symptoms, self-efficacy, and quality of life (QOL). This scoping review summarizes the current evidence on whether self-efficacy mediates the effect of symptoms on QOL and whether symptoms mediate the effect of self-efficacy on QOL among cancer survivors. LITERATURE SEARCH: The PubMed®, CINAHL®, and PsycINFO® databases were searched for studies published from January 2010 to December 2023. DATA EVALUATION: Seven studies were included that explored the relationship among symptoms, self-efficacy, and QOL. Mediation analyses for included studies were synthesized using the AGReMA (A Guideline for Reporting Mediation Analyses) Statement. SYNTHESIS: Self-efficacy mediated the effects of symptom-related constructs on QOL in three of five studies. Two studies found that fatigue mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and QOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Evidence supports the bidirectional mediating effects of self-efficacy and fatigue on their relationship with QOL. However, the majority of the studies used cross-sectional designs, warranting future longitudinal studies.