Purpose: To investigate the relationship between rumination, coping strategies, and subjective wellbeing
(SWB) and test the mediating effects of coping strategies on rumination and SWB in patients
with breast cancer (BC).
Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed rumination, coping strategies, and SWB using the General
Well-being Schedule, the Chinese Event-Related Rumination Inventory, and the Medical Coping Modes
Questionnaire in BC patients admitted to a tertiary general hospital in China.
Results: SWB was positively associated with the total score for rumination (r = .32, p < .01), deliberate
rumination (r = .75, p < .01), and confrontation (r = .58, p < .01). The relationship between rumination
and SWB was mediated by confrontation (indirect effect = .74).
Conclusion: BC diagnosis can affect patient's SWB. These findings indicate that rumination and
confrontation have direct and indirect effects on SWB. Therefore, psychological interventions focused on
improving coping may increase SWB. Notwithstanding, larger longitudinal studies are needed to further
examine the relationship between cognitive processes, coping strategies, and SWB.