A meta-analysis of the impact of empowerment-based psychological models on postoperative rehabilitation in breast cancer patients

Objective: To investigate the impact of empowerment-based psychological models on the postoperative recovery of patients with breast cancer through a meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Information, and international databases like PubMed. The literature search was carried out from the establishment of the database up to July 3, 2025. Collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the impact of the empowerment psychological model on the postoperative rehabilitation of breast cancer patients, and conduct a Meta - analysis using RevMan 5.3. Results: A total of 10 articles were incorporated in this study, covering 1432 patients, among which 716 patients were assigned to the observation group. The meta-analysis results revealed that versus the control group, the observation group showed lower anxiety scores [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (−1.69)–(−0.84), P < 0.001], lower depression scores [SMD = −1.33, 95% CI = (−1.68)–(−0.97), P < 0.001], higher resilience scores (SMD = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.55–1.85, P < 0.001), and higher self-efficacy scores (SMD = 1.35, 95% CI = 0.04–2.65, P = 0.040). Conclusion: The empowerment-based psychological model can improve breast cancer patients’ anxiety and depression after surgery, enhance their mental resilience and self-efficacy, and thus promote postoperative recovery.