Optimism and health-related quality of life in adolescents with cancer

Objective: To delineate the relationship between optimism and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and quality of life (QOL) in adolescents with cancer living in the Bronx, New York. Methods: Optimism was assessed using the Life Orientation Test, Revised (LOT-R). HRQOL and QOL were measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Cancer Module, Acute Version and The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Generic Core Scale, respectively. Associations between optimism and HRQOL and QOL were assessed using Pearson's product-moment correlations. Results: Twenty-three adolescents participated in this study; the mean age was 16 and the majority was male. This sample was highly optimistic and reported high HRQOL and QOL. Optimism was correlated with less reported pain and hurt, better communication with doctors, higher reported psychological functioning and higher overall QOL. Conclusion: Optimism is associated with higher QOL in inner city adolescents with cancer. Further research should assess whether interventions that increase optimism lead to greater QOL in this population.