Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies among Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Cancer: A Narrative Review

Author(s)	Ms. Najumunnisa Pulikkal Musthafa, Dr. Madhulata Yadav
Country	India
Abstract	This narrative review is based on secondary data. The purpose is to understand what existing studies say about psychological distress and coping among women undergoing chemotherapy. Literature from 2000 to 2024 was taken from PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. The review shows that 60-63% of women experience moderate to high distress during chemotherapy. Younger women below 45 years face more distress due to childcare, job, financial issues and fertility concerns. Adaptive coping like seeking support from family, acceptance, positive reframing and faith-based coping reduces distress, while avoidant coping like denial and self-blame increases anxiety and depression. In Indian context, family and faith are central but also create guilt and pressure. Interventions like MBSR, CBSM and yoga show benefit. This review identifies gaps related to loneliness, sexuality, gynecological problems and mother-child relationship, especially among young Indian women.
Keywords	psychological distress,coping strategies,chemotherapy,breast cancer,women,narrative review
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-26

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research