PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating effect of reported self-blame in the relationship between stigma and distress among cancer patients.
METHODS
A convenience sample of 247 inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with one of the five major cancers was recruited. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Data were collected from June 2013 to November 2013. The instruments used for data collection were the Korean Cancer Stigma Scale, the Psychological Symptom Inventory, and the Social Shame and Guilt Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression using Baron and Kenny steps for mediation.
RESULTS
The mean score reported for cancer stigma was 35.34, the mean score for distress was 13.77, and the mean for self-blame was 19.25. There was a significant correlation among stigma, distress, and self-blame. Self-blame was directly affected by stigma (R2=34.3%). Distress was directly affected by stigma (R2=13.0%). Stigma and self-blame impacted reported distress (R2=20.9%). Self-blame had a partial mediating effect (β=.35, p < .001) in the relationship between stigma and distress (Sobel test: Z=3.64, p < .001).
CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of this study, nursing intervention programs focusing on reducing stigma and decreasing self-blame may relieve the distress reported by patients with cancer.

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