Objective To study the impact of the staged intervention model based on Hogan’s theory on the postoperative recovery, mental health status and coping strategy of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods A total of 80 patients with CRC admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from December 2022 to December 2024 were selected as study subjects. A randomized number table method was used to assign them to a conventional group and a study group (n=45). The conventional group received standard care, while the study group received a phased intervention based on Hogan’s theory in addition to standard care. Postoperative recovery, mental health status, coping strategy, and incidence rate of complications were compared between groups. Results After the intervention, the study group demonstrated lower scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and negative coping scale compared to the conventional group, while achieving higher scores on the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and positive coping scale (P <0.05). Additionally, the study group exhibited shorter time to first flatus, first bowel movement, time to ambulation, and length of hospital stay than the conventional group (P <0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence rate of complications between the two groups (χ2=0.9486, P>0.05). Conclusion The staged intervention model based on Hogan’s theory can effectively improve the mental health status of CRC patients, promote the establishment of positive coping strategy, and accelerate postoperative recovery.