The relationship between perceived stress and depression in colorectal cancer patients: the mediating role of illness perception and the moderating role of self-efficacy

This study identifies illness perception as a mediating pathway in the association between perceived stress and depression, while self-efficacy moderates the relationship between perceived stress and illness perception. Accordingly, a multidimensional clinical approach may be considered for addressing depressive symptoms in colorectal cancer patients. Such an approach could concurrently target perceived stress reduction, modification of illness perception, and enhancing self-efficacy.