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Cancer framing and psychological characteristics in online cancer diaries: A mixed-methods study in China

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  • Yu, Lisai
  • Li, Yuhang
  • Wu, Chenghui

Abstract

Drawing upon previous research, this paper creatively combines different methods to conduct text analysis of cancer diaries related to cancer treatment on Chinese social media Weibo, and explores the sentiment, adoption of cancer frames, and psychological aspects of language. Initially, sentiment analysis technology is employed to investigate the sentiment in cancer diaries. Subsequently, the cancer frames in the text data are encoded, and similarity analysis is conducted to depict the associations among different frames. Lastly, the psycholinguistic dictionary of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) are utilized to explore the multivariate associations among different sentiment orientations, frames, and psychological states. Our study aims to aid in understanding the concerns and communication of patient groups regarding the cancer treatment process, provide actionable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers to better understand patient experiences and improve cancer care communication.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Lisai & Li, Yuhang & Wu, Chenghui, 2025. "Cancer framing and psychological characteristics in online cancer diaries: A mixed-methods study in China," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 377(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:377:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625004502
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118120
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jinghong Xu & Difan Guo & Jing Xu & Chang Luo, 2023. "How Do Multiple Actors Conduct Science Communication About Omicron on Weibo: A Mixed-Method Study," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(1), pages 306-322.
    2. Clarke, Juanne N. & Everest, Michelle M., 2006. "Cancer in the mass print media: Fear, uncertainty and the medical model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(10), pages 2591-2600, May.
    3. Tara Clinton-McHarg & Christine Paul & Rob Sanson-Fisher & Heidi Turon & Michelle Butler & Robert Lindeman, 2021. "Are the Physical Environments of Treatment Centres Meeting Recommendations for Patient-Centred Care? Perceptions of Haematological Cancer Patients," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-14, May.
    4. Jinghong Xu & Difan Guo & Jing Xu & Chang Luo, 2023. "How Do Multiple Actors Conduct Science Communication About Omicron on Weibo: A Mixed-Method Study," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 11(1), pages 306-322.
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