Latent profiles of ambivalence over emotional expression and associations with social support among Chinese patients with cervical cancer

Ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE) remains insufficiently characterized among patients with cervical cancer. This study examined AEE profiles, their correlates, concurrent psychological distress, and associations with social support. This multicenter cross-sectional study included 318 Chinese patients with cervical cancer recruited between March and May 2026. Participants completed the Ambivalence Over Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire (AEQ), 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Analyses included latent profile analysis, multinomial logistic regression, Bayesian comparisons, and adjusted restricted cubic spline regression. Three profiles were retained: low conflict–low emotional confusion ( n = 84, 26.4%), high conflict–high expressive contradiction ( n = 130, 40.9%), and moderate conflict–low negative inhibition ( n = 104, 32.7%). Depression, anxiety, and stress differed across profiles (all P < .001), with the highest medians in the high-conflict profile. Harmonious family relationships were associated with lower odds of high- versus low-conflict membership (adjusted OR = 0.043, 95% CI 0.019–0.097). Bayesian comparisons supported differences in SSRS scores across all profile pairs (BF₁₀ = 88.06–1.05 × 10¹⁵). Higher total AEQ scores were associated with lower SSRS scores across the observed range, with a somewhat steeper fitted decline in the mid-range and no discrete cutoff suggested by the curve. These findings support considering emotional-expression conflict alongside psychological distress, social support, and family relationships during individualized oncology nursing assessment.