Fear of Sympathy in Cancer Patients

Objectives: This research aimed to study the fear of sympathy among cancer patients and examine how it varies based on different factors, including gender, stage of the disease, and type of treatment. The study sought to understand how fear of sympathy affects patients’ emotional well-being and their ability to express or receive compassion. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 385 male and female cancer patients, selected intentionally. The Fear of Sympathy Scale by Gilbert (2011), consisting of 38 items, was used as the primary assessment tool. The reliability of the scale was confirmed through retesting, with a stability coefficient of 0.732 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79. Results: The findings indicated that cancer patients in the study experienced fear of sympathy. There were no statistically significant differences in fear of sympathy based on gender (male or female) or disease stage (first, second, or third). However, statistically significant differences were observed in favor of those undergoing joint treatment. Conclusion: The study concluded that fear of sympathy, stemming from the painful experience of the disease, negatively affects patients’ self-compassion, leading to self-blame and emotional distress. Additionally, the fear of receiving sympathy from others makes patients feel weak and helpless, limiting their ability to express emotions toward others. Given the emotional burden of cancer, the study recommended enhancing psychological counseling services in oncology centers and hospitals to provide psychological and social support to cancer patients.