Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

Psychological Distress Among People Living With Cancer : A Study Based on an Idiographic Clinical Case Approach

Jandarme, Florentin, Josue, Ozowa Latem, Clarisse, Esenge Omekanda, Muhindo, Blaise-Pascal Zirimwabagabo

10 September 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 9, pp. 1702-1710

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-08

Abstract

This qualitative study examined the psychological distress experienced by people living with cancer. It was conducted with four participants treated at the University Clinics of Kinshasa. Its objective was to describe the psychological distress experienced by people with cancer and to examine the coping strategies they use to deal with their problematic situation. To this end, we used the clinical method, together with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and clinical interviews. The findings indicate that people living with cancer may experience high levels of psychological distress, characterized by feelings of vulnerability, uncertainty, and anxiety. To cope with their situation, they mainly resort to problem-focused coping strategies.

Keywords: Psychological distress, People living with cancer, Coping

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Jandarme, Florentin, Josue, Ozowa Latem, Clarisse, Esenge Omekanda, Muhindo, & Blaise-Pascal Zirimwabagabo (2026). Psychological Distress Among People Living With Cancer : A Study Based on an Idiographic Clinical Case Approach. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(9), 1702-1710. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-08

@article{Jandarme2026,
  title   = {Psychological Distress Among People Living With Cancer : A Study Based on an Idiographic Clinical Case Approach},
  author  = {Jandarme and Florentin and Josue and Ozowa Latem and Clarisse and Esenge Omekanda and Muhindo and Blaise-Pascal Zirimwabagabo},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {9},
  pages   = {1702-1710},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-08},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E9/2026-08}
}

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