Savoring as a daily life process mediates the associations between health promotion and depressive and physical symptoms in people newly diagnosed with cancer

Background: Limited is known about the daily life processes in the association between health promotion and outcomes in cancer patients. This study aimed to examine the nature of associations among cancer-specific health engagement control strategies, savoring, and psychological and physical symptoms in Chinese people with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods and Findings: A total of 157 newly diagnosed CRC patients were recruited and administered (1) back-translated items on control strategies (active processes counteracting physical health problems) (Wrosch et al., 2003), (2) back-translated Savoring Belief Inventory (enjoyment of pleasant experiences in the moment), and (3) the Chinese version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (psychological and physical symptoms). Structural equation modeling revealed that savoring mediated the association between control strategies and both depressive and physical symptoms. Discussion: To maximize holistic health in cancer patients, symptom management and health behavior change intervention should be integrated with well-being intervention that targets daily life psychological functioning.