Working after cancer: psychological flexibility and the quality of working life

Abstract

Purpose: Our purpose was to examine the associations between the pillars of psychological flexibility (valued action, behavioural awareness, openness to experience) and aspects of quality of working life after a cancer. We examined how the pillars of psychological flexibility mediated the relationships between quality of working life and anxiety, depression, and overall life satisfaction. Examining psychological flexibility allows interventions to be targeted for cancer survivors and account for unique, individual needs.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 230 cancer survivors who were currently employed completed a questionnaire package that included demographic information and measures of physical health problems, satisfaction with life, quality of working life in cancer survivors, psychological flexibility, anxiety, and depression.

Results: The mediational analyses illustrated how specific pillars of psychological flexibility mediated the relationships between quality of working life and anxiety, depression, and overall satisfaction with life. Overall, psychological flexibility mediated the relationships between physical health and health-related work problems, quality of working life, and satisfaction with life. Further, the valued action pillar of psychological flexibility fully mediated the relationship between quality of working life and reported symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Conclusions: Higher psychological flexibility was related to higher satisfaction with working life. Physical and psychological challenges during employment may be improved through interventions that improve psychological flexibility. Active engagement with activities aligned with personal values is related to more positive outcomes.

Implications for cancer survivors: The value of examining the pillars of psychological flexibility is that interventions can be targeted for this population, considering this population's unique needs.

Keywords: Employment satisfaction; Post-treatment wellness; Psychological flexibility; Quality of life.