Factors Influencing Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Survivors

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and the factors affecting the PTG of cancer survivors. METHODS: Data were collected from 147 cancer patients who were admitted to hospital to two hospitals, P and B city during July and September, 2017 using the PTG Inventory, Multidimensional Scale Perceived Social Support, Event-Related Rumination Inventory, Korean Cancer Coping Questionnaire, Resilience Scale, and Self-Esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson-correlation coefficient, and multiple regression. RESULTS: The mean score for PTG in cancer survivors was 3.20 points. PTG had significant correlation with social support, deliberate rumination, coping, and resilience. Factors that had an influence on PTG in multiple regression were social support (β=0.25, p<001), personal coping (β=0.22, p=.008), resilience (β=0.21, p=.006), recognizing the need for religion (β=0.17, p=.015), religion (β=0.17 p=.011), and deliberate rumination (β=.15, p=.022). These factors explained 60.0% of the variance in the PTG of cancer patients. CONCLUSION: In order to effectively promote PTG of cancer survivors, it is necessary to develop and apply programs that can improve social support, coping (personal), resilience, religion, and deliberate rumination.