A Structural Model of Depression based on Early Maladaptive Schemas and Perceived Social Support Mediated by Hope in Cancer Patients

The aim of this study was to predict depression based on early maladaptive schemas and perceived social support concerning the mediating role of hope in cancer patients. The research method was descriptive correlation. The study population included all cancer patients referred to the Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini and Milad Hospitals in Tehran. The sample size was 300 cancer patients who were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study and by Purposive sampling method. The research instruments were Yang (1998) Early maladaptive schemas questionnaire, Zimet et al. (1988), Beck Depression Inventory (1961) and Snyder Hope Questionnaire (1991). The results of data analysis showed that the model of predicting depression based on initial maladaptive schemas and perceived social support with the role of hope mediator based on empirical data has a good fit. Also, Direct and indirect effect of early maladaptive schemas and perceived social support on depression in cancer patients were confirmed by considering the mediating role of hope (p <0.05).