Mediating Effects of Resilience and Perceived Social Support Between Gratitude and the Adaptability to Return‐To‐Work in Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT Aims This study aims to explore the mediating role of resilience and perceived social support in the relationship between gratitude and the work reintegration adaptability of cancer patients in China. Design A cross‐sectional and correlational study. Methods A total of 402 participants were collected from July to December 2023 from a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province, China, using a convenience sampling method. The survey utilised the General Information Questionnaire, the Gratitude Questionnaire‐6 (C‐GQ‐6), the Cancer Patient Return‐to‐Work Adaptation Scale, the resilience Scale (CD‐RISD), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) to collect data. The theoretical hypothesis was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis, with model fit corrections performed to examine the internal relationships and pathways among gratitude, resilience, perceived social support and return‐to‐work adaptability. Results Gratitude, resilience, and perceived social support were significantly correlated with work reintegration adaptability. Resilience and perceived social support independently mediate the relationship between gratitude and work reintegration adaptability, with mediation effects of 56.63% and 7.77%, respectively. Additionally, resilience and perceived social support fully mediate the relationship between gratitude and work reintegration adaptability, with a chain mediation effect of 35.60%. Conclusion Gratitude can affect cancer patients' return to work adaptation through resilience and perceived social support. Impact Healthcare professionals should focus on the impact of gratitude on cancer patients' adaptability to work reintegration. Interventions targeting resilience and perceived social support should be developed to enhance patients' work reintegration and promote their overall recovery and social reintegration. Reporting Method STROBE checklist. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.