A Concept Analysis of Posttraumatic Growth in Family Caregivers of Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to identify and define concepts of post-traumatic growth of family caregivers of cancer patients. METHODS: This study was conducted according to the method of Walker and Avant (2005)'s, focusing on research articles and books published from 2000 to 2017. RESULTS: There were five attributes of the concept personal growth, reinforcing relationships with others, understanding of others, finding meaning of care, and gratitude for life. Furthermore, antecedents were as follows cancer diagnosis of a family member, cancer severity, role acceptance of caregiver, caregiving related burden, self-esteem, and hope. The consequences, therefore, were promoting patient' s posttraumatic growth and psychological well-being, increased the quality of life, health related habits change, balance of life, satisfaction of life, and continuation of care. CONCLUSION: Knowing the factors of posttraumatic growth in nursing can be used to devise an intervention to enhance the posttraumatic growth of family caregivers of cancer patient, which can then be applied to a variety of nursing areas.