Coping and wellbeing after primary breast cancer
Take part in an online survey to help researchers explore how different coping styles relate to wellbeing and quality of life after a breast cancer diagnosis.
What’s the title of the study?
The role of Psychological Flexibility in Adjustment to Breast Cancer
What’s the project about?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can bring significant emotional and psychological challenges. This study is exploring how people adjust to living with breast cancer and how different coping styles relate to wellbeing, distress and quality of life.
The researchers are particularly interested in psychological flexibility. This refers to the ability to notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while continuing to act in line with personal values.
And by understanding how this skill relates to how people cope after a breast cancer diagnosis, the study aims to identify factors linked to positive psychological outcomes.
The findings could help inform the development of more effective psychological support and therapies for people living with breast cancer.
Who’s organising it?
Name of project lead: Neharika Puligundla
Job title: Trainee Clinical Psychologist
Organisation: University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian
Email address: S1550932@ed.ac.uk
Who can take part?
You can take part if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Live in the UK
- Were diagnosed with primary breast cancer within the last 10 years
- Do not have a diagnosis of metastatic (secondary) breast cancer
You can still take part if you are currently receiving treatment (such as hormone therapy) or are in remission and attending routine follow-up appointments.
Why do you want me to be involved?
By sharing your experiences, you’ll help researchers better understand the factors linked to wellbeing for people living with breast cancer.
This knowledge could help shape future psychological support and therapies for people affected by the disease.
Some people may also find value in reflecting on their own experiences of coping with breast cancer while taking part in the survey.
What will you ask me to do?What will you ask me to do?
If you decide to take part, you’ll complete an online survey with questions about:
- Yourself and your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Different psychological factors and coping styles
The survey can be completed at a time that suits you and typically takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
How do I get involved?
Please complete the online survey. The participant information sheet and consent form are at the beginning of the survey.
If you have questions about the study, you can contact Neharika at S1550932@ed.ac.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact the project supervisor Dr Paul Graham Morris (p.g.morris@ed.ac.uk).
Or if you would prefer to speak to someone not directly involved in the study, you can contact Dr David Gillanders, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh (david.gillanders@ed.ac.uk).
When’s the deadline?
31 August 2026
Get involved
Complete the survey and help the researchers understand how breast cancer affect's people's wellbeing, and what support they need.