The Role of Family Resilience and Social Support among Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review

Background: Cancer and chemotherapy impose significant physical, emotional, and psychosocial burdens on patients and their families. Family resilience, supported by belief-based coping and positive perceptions of cancer treatment, plays an essential role in maintaining stability, reducing distress, and supporting patient well-being during chemotherapy. Objective: This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on how belief-based family support influences family resilience in caring for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and to identify implications for nursing practice. Methods: A systematic review guided by the PICOS framework was conducted using Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 were screened through predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fourteen studies met eligibility requirements and were critically appraised using JBI, Cochrane, and CASP tools. Results: Four key themes were identified: (1) family resilience is strengthened through social support, dyadic communication, and adaptive coping mechanisms; (2) resilience-focused interventions reduce anxiety, depression, and caregiver burden; (3) psychosocial challenges during chemotherapy affect both patients and families; and (4) determinants of resilience include family cohesion, financial capacity, accessibility of treatment, and health insurance coverage. These findings underscore the importance of integrating resilience assessments and belief-based educational and coping strategies into nursing care to strengthen family support and improve patient outcomes. Conclusion: Belief-based family support plays a significant role in enhancing family resilience during chemotherapy. Incorporating resilience-building strategies into oncology nursing practice can reduce psychological distress, improve treatment adherence, and promote holistic family-centered care.