Coping Styles as Predictors of Suicide Probability in Iranian Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between stress coping styles and the probability of suicide in Iranian cancer patients, while also identifying key demographic and clinical predictors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 320 cancer patients from the oncology department of Ayatollah Rou-hani Hospital in Babol, Iran. Participants completed standardized instruments, including the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Data on demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and multiple regression to identify independent predictors of suicide probability. Avoidant coping was the most prevalent style (39.4%) and was associated with the highest mean suicide probability score (68.41 ± 6.54), followed by emotion-focused coping (66.99 ± 4.96). Problem-focused coping was linked to the lowest suicide probability (62.90 ± 5.28), with pairwise comparisons showing significant differences (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified the presence of pain, metastasis, a shorter time since diagnosis (≤1 year), lower educational attainment, and urban residence as significant independent predictors of higher suicide probability. Coping style is a significant determinant of suicidality in cancer patients. Problem-focused coping appears protective, while avoidant and emotion-focused strategies are associated with increased risk. These findings underscore the need for integrating coping style assessments into routine oncology care to identify at-risk patients and develop targeted psychosocial interventions.