This study aimed to adapt the fertility intention scale (FIS) for Breast Cancer Survivors into Turkish and assess its validity and reliability.

The study sample consisted of 157 women of reproductive age who had completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. The Turkish version of the scale was developed using the translate-back translation method for language validity. Expert opinions were sought for content validity, and the content validity index was calculated. For construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling in Amos 23.0. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation for scale dimensions, and intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability, with P < .05 considered significant.

The reliability coefficients for the total FIS and its four subdimensions ranged from 0.77 to 0.97. Intraclass correlation coefficient analysis showed a significant fit (0.87-0.97) between test-retest measurements for the FIS and its subdimensions. Pearson correlation revealed a significant positive relationship between the FIS and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (r = 0.238, P < .001). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the scale's four subdimensions: "Pregnancy risk," "Disease control," "Social support," and "Happiness."

As a result, the 15-item scale and four factors were found to be theoretically and statistically acceptable. The FIS for Breast Cancer Survivors is a valid and reliable measurement tool.

The FIS can help nurses assess breast cancer survivors' fertility concerns, enabling them to provide personalized counseling and support related to reproductive health options.

Prevalence and risk factors for depression among patients with sarcoma and survivors of sarcoma are not well characterized.

A sarcoma survivorship cohort was constructed from patients diagnosed between April 2022 and September 2023. Depression symptoms were assessed via the eight-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-57 depression scale at enrollment. Standardized T-score levels (<50, 50-59, and ≥60) were calculated and evaluated in association with demographics, lifestyle characteristics, clinical data, and modifiable factors using multinomial logistic regression models.

Among 612 participants, the mean T-score was 48.3 (standard deviation, 10.0); 58.8% had a T-score <50, 27.9% scored between 50 and 59, and 13.2% scored ≥60. Participants age 18-39 years and age 40-59 years were more likely to have a T-score ≥60, with respective odds ratios (ORs) of 3.65 (95% CIs, 1.70 to 7.83) and 2.80 (1.52 to 5.17) compared with participants older than 60 years. Household incomes of $70,000-$120,000 in US dollars (USD) (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.23 to 0.92]) and >$120,000 USD (OR, 0.15 [95% CI, 0.06 to 0.37]) were inversely associated with T-score ≥60 compared with household incomes <$45,000 USD. Marijuana use within the past 30 days was positively (OR, 3.48 [95% CI, 1.46 to 8.27]) associated, while regular exercise (OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.24 to 0.75]) and emotional support (OR, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.28 to 0.48]) were inversely associated with having T-score ≥60.

A higher prevalence of depression symptoms was notable in younger participants, marijuana users, and households with lower incomes. Regular exercise and increased emotional support were inversely associated with depression symptoms. Our study provides information for developing personalized supportive care strategies to ameliorate depression symptoms among patients with sarcoma.

This study examined the unique associations of different dimensions of the resilience factor, benefit finding, on concurrent and prospective psychological and biological adjustment outcomes over the first year after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Individuals newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer (n = 133, mean age = 56 years old, 59% female, 46% Hispanic) completed questionnaires assessing the multidimensional aspects of benefit finding around 4 months post-diagnosis (T1). Psychological (depressive symptoms and life satisfaction) and biological [C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)] adjustments were assessed at T1 and one-year post-diagnosis (T2).

Structural equation modeling revealed that at T1, greater reprioritization was concurrently related to higher depressive symptoms (p=.020). Lower acceptance, lower empathy, and greater positive self-view predicted higher life satisfaction at T2 (ps<.010). Additionally, lower empathy and greater family valuation predicted higher CRP at T2 (ps<.004), whereas greater positive self-view predicted higher IL-10 at T2 (p=.039). Greater overall benefit finding was associated with lower IL-10 at T1 (p=.013).

Various aspects of benefit finding differentially relate to psychological and inflammatory markers during the first year after diagnosis in persons with colorectal cancer. Interventions designed to specifically enhance positive self-view may promote both the psychological and biological health of individuals with cancer.

Assess the effect of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and coping strategies on patients with oral cancer's post-traumatic growth (PTG).

A total of 255 patients with oral cancer participated and were investigated using the Chinese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FOP-Q-SF), and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) in this cross-sectional study. Descriptive, univariate, Pearson correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

Higher FCR scores were negatively associated with PTG (r = -0.646). Negative coping strategies were negatively correlated with PTG (r = -0.219). Positive coping strategies positively correlated with PTG (r = 0.482). Regression analysis indicated that the treatment of surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, FCR, and coping strategies had significant independent influences on patients with oral cancer's PTG.

Reducing fear of recurrence and improving one's capacity for proactive coping in the face of traumatic situations are necessary for post-traumatic growth stimulation. Thus, it is important to develop and implement focused therapies aimed at enhancing post-traumatic growth in patients with oral cancer.

This study aimed to systematically incorporate the post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients and furnish insights for the formulation of targeted psychological care measures.

The search period we were ranged from establishing the database to February 2024. We systematically searched four Chinese databases and seven English databases. The focus was on collecting qualitative research literature regarding the post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients. Literature was screened and analyzed using Endnote20 software. Quality evaluation was conducted using the authenticity evaluation criteria (2016 edition) recommended by the JBI. The results were synthesized utilizing the meta-integration methodology established by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and adhered to the reporting standards delineated in the PRISMA checklist, as well as the ENTREQ reporting guidelines.

This study encompassed 11 studies, from which 42 themes and 68 sub-themes were extracted. Similar research findings were categorized into 11 new classifications, leading to the formulation of four integrative conclusions: self-reconstruction, enhancement of spirituality and religious beliefs, appreciation of the new philosophy of life, and transformations associated with others.

Medical professionals should possess a precise comprehension of the concept of post-traumatic growth, and actively encourage patients to engage in deliberate rumination, facilitate emotional release, support effective coping strategies, enhance social support systems, foster post-traumatic growth in patients, and promote their overall well-being.

Systematic review registration: CRD42024519850.

Breast cancer, a potential traumatic stressor, may be accompanied by positive changes, such as post-traumatic growth (PTG), which may allow patients to overcome this stressful event more easily. Our aim was to identify factors associated with PTG in breast cancer survivors (BCSs).

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Seintinelles volunteers who answered online questionnaires. PTG was measured using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Data on sociodemographic, health-related factors and lifestyle habits, fear of cancer recurrence, health locus of control, coping strategies, and time perspective were collected.

The study included 821 BCSs aged 26 to 79 years, one to 16 years after cancer diagnosis. Mean of PTG scores were: relating to others 20.27 ± 6.61; new possibilities 14.00 ± 5.44; personal strength 12.24 ± 4.32; spiritual change 2.95 ± 2.54; appreciation of life 10.59 ± 3.00 and total PTG 60.05 ± 18.11. Several factors were associated with PTG: health-related factors (satisfaction with one's own health, longer time since diagnosis), lifestyle habits (increasing physical activity level and stopping or reducing alcohol consumption after diagnosis), elements of locus of control (powerful others), coping strategies (positive thinking, seeking social support) and time perspective (present hedonistic), which were significantly positively associated with PTG. Chance locus of control and coping avoidance were inversely related to several PTG domains, even several years after diagnosis.

PTG may be increased in BCSs by acting on its modifiable factors. This includes adopting healthy behaviours, such as increasing physical activity and stopping/reducing alcohol consumption, and developing locus of control elements, such as powerful others, and coping strategies, such as positive thinking and seeking social support, through targeted interventions. Further studies, especially longitudinal studies, are needed to confirm the observed associations between health behaviours, health locus of control, time perspective, and PTG scores. Other measures, such as post-traumatic stress, should be considered because of possible inferences with PTG.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) has been recognized as beneficial for the emotional well-being of cancer patients. However, the longitudinal relationship between PTG and emotional distress remains unclear and has rarely been investigated among patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. We investigated the linear and quadratic longitudinal associations between distress (depression, anxiety, and negative affect) and PTG in lung cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant immunotherapy. We also tested individual variations in the longitudinal associations.

Data were pooled from three clinical trials (n = 231) evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in lung cancer patients. At the beginning of each treatment cycle, patients completed questionnaires assessing PTG and distress. Cross-lagged panel analysis was used to evaluate longitudinal associations, and multi-group structural equation modeling was conducted to examine individual variations in these relationships.

A unidirectional linear relationship was observed, with lower levels of distress predicting greater PTG over time. The impact of anxiety on PTG was more pronounced in patients with higher education or lower financial burdens, while the effect of negative affect was more salient in older patients. No significant quadratic effects of distress on PTG were observed.

Lower emotional distress may facilitate the development of PTG over time. The longitudinal effect of distress on PTG varied on age, education, and financial burdens.

Psychosocial interventions to promote PTG may be more effective by incorporating stress management and emotion regulation strategies, and need to be tailored to patients' socioeconomic characteristics.

Cancer survivors who used psychosocial support services often report posttraumatic growth (PTG). This refers to positive psychological changes that may occur as the five domains as a result of the challenges they face. Opposing relationship also might exist. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PTG and help-seeking behavior (HSB).

In total, 710 participants completed an online survey at Time1. Of those, 395 who reported not using any psychosocial support services at Time1 were asked to participate in the Time2 survey and completed a questionnaire. The participants provided demographic information, the experiences of using psychosocial support services, and the overall and five domains of PTG.

Those who experienced HSB at Time1 reported a higher PTG, and two of the PTG domains, Appreciation of Life and New Possibilities, than those who did not used services. Mixed ANOVAs showed the main effects of the HSB on the overall PTG, Appreciation of Life, and New Possibilities. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that Appreciation of Life at Time1 was significantly related to the engaging in HSB at Time2.

Those who received psychosocial support services reported a higher PTG. Participants may have also engaged in HSB because they had experienced PTG. People who are likely to seek help and experience PTG may share common characteristics.

Support for those who do not fit the existing PTG and the use of psychosocial support services should also be considered.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the subgroups of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among young and middle-aged cancer patients in China and to explore influencing factors. A total of 378 young and middle-aged cancer patients aged 18-60 were selected for the study at a hospital in Shanghai, China. Latent profile analysis identified four categories of PTG among young and middle-aged cancer patients: the "predicament group" (5.9%), the "struggle group" (36.8%), the "limited growth group" (44.1%) and the "remarkable growth group" (13.2%). Age, gender, time since diagnosis, cancer site, primary/recurrence, and meaning in life significantly influenced the distribution of PTG in young and middle-aged cancer patients. Targeted interventions should be developed to enhance the level of PTG among this population, considering the specific characteristics and influencing factors within each profile.

We examined post-traumatic reactions and quality of life in women with recurrent gynecologic cancer who underwent a pelvic exenteration (PE), a potentially life-saving radical surgery associated with life-altering sequelae.

Twenty-one women who had completed PE at least 6 months prior completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, a measure of post-traumatic stress, the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, a measure of post-traumatic growth, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item core Quality of Life Questionnaire. We examined the associations between these outcome variables, and quality of life scores were compared to normative values for the general and gynecologic cancer populations.

Thirty percent of women reported clinically significant post-traumatic stress symptoms and 71% endorsed clinically significant depressive symptoms. More post-traumatic stress was associated with less post-traumatic growth, more depressive symptoms, and worse quality of life. In general, women's quality of life was worse than the general population but comparable to women with stage III-IV ovarian cancer and women with cervical cancer. Social functioning was markedly lower in our sample and women reported more pain, diarrhea, and financial difficulties post-PE compared to published norms for the general population and women with ovarian or cervical cancer. There were no differences in quality of life based on age, type of PE, type of urinary diversion, or cancer type.

Findings support long-term continued symptom management and the ongoing rehabilitation of patients to optimize physical, psychological, and social well-being in PE survivorship.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in elderly males, with radical prostatectomy being the established therapeutic approach for localized disease. Patients undergoing this surgical procedure frequently experience increased negative emotions and symptomatology during the perioperative period, likely due to concerns about the illness and its treatment. The present study aims to investigate the effects of a novel educational approach involving a whole-process visualization and collaborative nursing discussions on perioperative symptoms and emotional well-being in radical prostatectomy patients.

Data were prospectively collected from 310 patients admitted to the hospital between June 2021 and December 2023, all of whom were scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy. These patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (receiving new model education) or the control group (receiving conventional education), with 155 patients in each group. The study compared basic demographic information, anxiety and depression scores, fear of disease progression scores, quality-of-life scores, main symptom scores, and changes in perioperative vital signs between the two groups.

No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, comorbidities, insurance type, education level, income, and tumor history (P > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant differences in anxiety and depression scores, proportion of patients with anxiety and depression, vital signs, and fear of disease progression scores between the two groups at Time 1 stage (P > 0.05). During stages Time 2 and Time 3, the intervention group exhibited lower anxiety and depression scores, a lower proportion of anxious and depressed patients, as well as significantly reduced blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Following radical prostatectomy, the main symptoms of patients, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue, were assessed using the MADIS Symptom Assessment Scale on days 1-3 post-surgery. The intervention group exhibited significantly lower scores for three symptoms compared to the control group (P < 0.05); at Time 4 stage, the patients in the intervention group also demonstrated significantly improved quality-of-life scores compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, blood pressure and heart rate of patients returned to baseline levels at Time 4 stage, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the anxiety and depression scores in the intervention group at the Time 4 stage remained significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the fear of disease progression scores in both groups were lower than those at the Time 1 stage, with a more pronounced improvement observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Patients diagnosed with malignant tumors often experience fear and anxiety regarding the progression of their disease and upcoming surgery, as well as uncertainty surrounding their treatment and prognosis. This heightened emotional distress can contribute to a greater symptom burden during the perioperative period. Utilizing a whole-process visualization and collaborative nursing discussion approach, as compared to traditional communication methods, has been shown to alleviate patients' fears, reduce anxiety and depression, and ultimately lessen the symptom burden experienced during the perioperative phase. Ultimately, this approach can enhance the overall quality of life for patients facing malignant tumors.

Breast cancer (BC) is a common cancer among females in Africa. Being infected with BC in Africa seems like a life sentence and brings devastating experiences to patients and households. As a result, BC is comorbid with trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-traumatic growth (PTG).

To identify empirical evidence from peer-reviewed articles on the comorbidity trajectories between BC and trauma, BC and PTSD, and BC and PTG.

This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines of conducting a systematic review. Literature searches of the National Library of Medicine, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were conducted using search terms developed for the study. The search hint yielded 769 results, which were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. At the end of the screening, 24 articles were included in the systematic review.

BC patients suffered trauma and PTSD during the diagnosis and treatment stages. These traumatic events include painful experiences during and after diagnosis, psychological distress, depression, and cultural stigma against BC patients. PTSD occurrence among BC patients varies across African countries, as this review disclosed: 90% was reported in Kenya, 80% was reported in Zimbabwe, and 46% was reported in Nigeria. The severity of PTSD among BC patients in Africa was based on the test results communicated to the patients. Furthermore, this review revealed that BC patients experience PTG, which involves losing, regaining, and surrendering final control over the body, rebuilding a personified identity, and newfound appreciation for the body.

Patients with BC undergo numerous traumatic experiences during their diagnosis and treatment. Psychological interventions are needed in SSA to mitigate trauma and PTSD, as well as promote PTG.

Radiotherapy (RT) is used in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with excellent effectiveness, but it is burdened by important side effects, which may negatively impact patients' quality of life (QoL). In particular when associated with chemotherapy (CT), that has a radiosensitising effect (and its own toxicities), it is responsible for several adverse events, causing social discomfort and lower QoL, in patients who are already experiencing several tumor-related discomforts. Prehabilitation is a healthcare intervention consisting of several specialist visits prior to the start of treatment, with the aim of improving the patient's health status, resolving symptoms that interfere with treatment and impact QoL, and finally to better avoid or overcome complications. Of all cancer patients, HNSCC patients are among those who could benefit most from prehabilitation, both because of the high number of symptoms and toxicities and their difficult management. Despite this and the emerging data, prehabilitation is not often considered for the majority of patients undergoing (C)RT. In this review, we tried to understand what are the main areas in which interventions can be made prior to the (C)RT start, the possible side effects of the treatment, the effectiveness in their prevention and management, and the impact that prehabilitation may have in adherence to therapy and on the principal survival outcomes, providing important guidance for the planning of future studies.

Although there is no strong data evaluating multidisciplinary prehabilitation strategies, evidence shows that optimizing the patient's health status and preventing possible complications improve the QoL, reduce the incidence and severity of adverse events, and improve treatment adherence. While cardiology prehabilitation is of paramount importance for all patients undergoing concomitant CRT in the prevention of possible side effects, the remaining interventions are useful independently of the type of treatment proposed. Geriatricians have a key role in both elderly patients and younger patients characterized by many comorbidities to comprehensively assess health status and indicate which treatment may be the best in terms of risk/benefit ratio. Collaboration between nutritionists and phoniatrics, on the other hand, ensures adequate nutritional intake for the patient, where possible orally. This is because optimizing both body weight and muscle mass and qualities has been shown to impact key survival outcomes. Finally, HNSCC patients have the second highest suicide rate, and the disease has side effects such as pain, dysfiguration, and sialorrhea that can reduce the patient's social life and create shame and embarrassment: A psychological intake, in addition to the usefulness to the patient, can also provide current support to caregivers and family members. Therefore clinicians must define a personalized pathway for patients, considering the characteristics of the disease and the type of treatment proposed, to optimize health status and prevent possible side effects while also improving QoL and treatment adherence.

An existing scale of personal growth in caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) was expanded for use with an acquired brain injury (ABI) population, and was modified following additional psychometric analyses. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 315 caregiving partners of persons with MS and 310 family caregivers of persons with ABI. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on the original 32-item instrument yielded a 4-component, 17-item solution with correlated subscales with solid psychometric properties. Subscales were labelled Appreciation, Positivity, Adjustment, and Spirituality. Secondary PCA conducted revealed three subscales (five items each) correlated moderately while the fourth, Spirituality, remained distinct. The sum of the three five-item subscales may serve as a total score. Reliability analysis yielded acceptable-to-high internal consistency. Comparisons of the PGS with existing instruments demonstrated its discriminant/convergent validity. Two kinds of latent class analyses were conducted on the 15-item PGS to identify three latent classes that spanned the neurologic groups, revealing that measurement invariance was held for the instrument in this sample. An instrument with sound psychometric properties was established, designed to assess personal growth in caregivers of individuals with ABI or MS. Future work should explore its value in other populations and as a metric of changes over time.

The study identified different patterns of symptom burden and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among patients with cancer and to explored the effects of sociodemographic, disease-related, and family resilience factors, which could provide reference for the development of personalized nursing measures.

A questionnaire survey was conducted with 329 patients with cancer who were undergoing treatment. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore the patterns of symptom burden and PTG among patients with cancer, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of different patterns.

Based on the fit indicators of LPA, a three-class pattern model of posttraumatic responses was shown to be optimal, including resisting, struggling, and growth groups. In the resisting group (34.34%), patients reported low symptom burden and low PTG; in the struggling group (19.15%), patients showed a high symptom burden and moderate PTG; in the growth group (46.51%), patients showed low symptom burden and high PTG. Moreover, patients with cancer with high levels of family resilience were more likely to fall into the struggling and growth groups. Specifically, those with lower scores in the optimistic attitude and higher scores in the family and social support dimension of family resilience were more likely to fall into the struggling group, whereas those with lower scores in the transcendence and spiritual belief dimensions of family resilience were more likely to fall into the resisting group. Additionally, patients with at least three children were more likely to fall into the struggling group.

This study showed heterogeneity in symptom burden and PTG patterns among patients with cancer. Patients' growth must include both psychological growth and the mitigated symptom burden. Family factors may be intervention targets to improve the growth patterns.

The current observational study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among patients with breast cancer. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of illness perceptions and positive emotions. A total of 697 women with breast cancer were recruited from four clinical sites as part of the Bounce project in Finland, Portugal, Italy, and Israel. The study measures were mindfulness (MAAS), illness perceptions (IPQ), positive affect (PANAS), and post-traumatic growth (PTGI) at three time points: near the time of diagnosis, 6 months, and 12 months post-diagnosis. A higher level of mindfulness was associated with perceptions of the illness as less chronic. Specifically, the perception of a limited timeline of breast cancer was associated with positive emotions, thus leading to enhanced PTG. Emphasis should be placed on promoting mindfulness, elaborating on illness perceptions, and maintaining positive affect as part of clinical interventions for PTG among breast cancer patients.

Interest in post-traumatic growth (PTG) as a predictor of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is currently gaining attention. However, current evidence is still inconclusive on the nature of this relationship. The first objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between PTG and global HRQoL among cancer survivors. We further investigated the moderating role of fatigue in the association between PTG and global HRQoL. In the FiX study (Fatigue in Germany - Examination of prevalence, severity, and state of screening and treatment) cancer-related fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA12), PTG inventory and global HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) were assessed four years after cancer diagnosis in 1316 cancer-free survivors (mean age = 67.28, SD = 11.05, 51.4% female). Multiple linear regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed. The results showed that PTG had a convex quadratic relationship with global HRQoL (p < 0.001). Contrary to our hypothesis, fatigue did not moderate the relationship between PTG (linear and quadratic terms) and global HRQoL, neither when considering the overall PTG score nor for any PTG subdimension. In conclusion, PTG has a convex quadratic relationship with long-term global HRQoL that was not modified by persisting fatigue. Future statistical models investigating PTG and global HRQoL should take this non-linear relationship into account. Aiming to increase PTG might contribute to, but is likely not sufficient for high levels of global HRQoL in cancer survivors in the long run.

Cancer, a life-threatening chronic disease, is the leading cause of death in Korea, accounting for 27% of all deaths in 2020. Due to advancements in medical technology and early detection of cancer in Korea, the 5-year relative survival rate reached 70.7% (2015-2019), highlighting remarkable progress over the past decades. Although cancer has been seen as a traumatic event, cancer survivors also go through a subjective process of self-maturation, which is called post-traumatic growth (PTG). Because research on PTG among Korean cancer survivors has not been systematically synthesised, a scoping review on this topic will provide a better understanding of the positive psychological changes that occur as a patient moves through the illness trajectory of cancer from a Korean cultural perspective. The purpose of this study was to describe the protocol of a scoping review regarding PTG in Korean cancer survivors.

The scoping review framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley and the manual refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews will be used with the six framework guidelines developed by Levac et al. Searched databases will include Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsycInfo, as well as Korean databases, examining all articles published between 2012 and 2023 in Korean or English on PTG in Korean cancer survivors. Extracted data will be collated, charted and summarised.

Because the scoping review methodology undertakes a secondary analysis of collected data from previous research studies, this study does not require ethical approval. The results of this scoping review will be disseminated through presentations at conferences and publication in a scientific journal.

The detrimental effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the benefits of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) are well established for cancer survivors. Increased cancer survival rates necessitate an understanding of how these two paradoxical outcomes, PTSS/PTSD and PTG, are targeted through interventions. This systematic scoping review aims to (a) examine existing evidence on interventions targeting PTSS/PTSD and/or PTG among cancer survivors and (b) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research. Following the six steps of a scoping review, 76 articles met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative articles were examined using descriptive analysis. Frequency counts of the collated data were tabulated into summary tables. Qualitative articles were reviewed using meta-synthesis. Most articles were quantitative (n = 52) and targeted PTG (n = 68) through promising intervention approaches such as psychotherapy, mindfulness, physical activity, and psilocybin-assisted therapy. Three key implications for future research and practice were synthesized: (1) mechanistic considerations for intervention design that provide a roadmap for rigorous and theoretically-grounded research; (2) the need for improved representation of cancer survivors in trials; and (3) potential facilitators of intervention efficacy. Together, these findings can direct future research to optimize interventions to reduce PTSS/PTSD and promote PTG achievement among cancer survivors.

The results indicate that post-traumatic growth does indeed occur after overcoming the severe form of COVID-19. It suggests that this posttraumatic growth most often occurred through a reassessment of priorities and an appreciation of life itself and loved ones. COVID-19 disease has been one of the most discussed and researched topics for several years, as it dramatically affects everyone's daily life.

The qualitative study presented here focuses on health psychology, especially post-traumatic growth after overcoming a severe form of the COVID-19 disease. We worked with adult people who had either been treated in the intensive care unit or had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia.

Thematic analysis was used to determine categories and subcategories. The study presented here contributes to knowledge about the COVID-19 experience by mapping a Slovakian sample of adult participants.

The results obtained by Thematic analysis help us better understand how people experience the disease, especially those who have overcome a severe form of the disease and thus had a borderline experience when their lives were directly threatened, as well as their overall health.

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been extensively explored within general oncology, yet little is known about the experience of PTG in neuro-oncology. This study aimed to determine the representation of patients with primary brain tumors (PBT) in the PTG literature.

PsycINFO, PubMed, and CINAHL were systematically searched from inception to December 2022. Search terms were related to personal growth and positive reactions to cancer. Articles were first screened by titles and abstracts, then full texts were reviewed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method.

A total of 382 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 13 included patients with PBT. Over 100 000 cancer patients were represented, with 0.79% having a PBT. Most research focused on low-grade gliomas. PTG negatively correlated with post-traumatic stress symptoms and avoidant coping. In the sole longitudinal study, patients with PBT demonstrated improved PTG after 1 year. Three quasi-experimental studies investigated the effect of mindfulness-based interventions with mixed-cancer samples and demonstrated improvement in PTG.

The inclusion rate of patients with PBT in the PTG literature was significantly lower than the population prevalence rate (1.3% of cancer diagnoses). Relatively few studies focused exclusively on how patients with PBT experience PTG (k = 5), and those that did only included low-grade glioma. The experience of PTG in those with high-grade glioma remains unknown. Patients with PBT are scarcely included in research on PTG interventions. Few studies examined the relationship between PTG and medical, cognitive, or psychological characteristics. Our understanding of the PTG experience in neuro-oncology remains extremely limited.

Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological change following trauma. However, there is a need to better understand the experience of posttraumatic growth in the palliative care setting as well as the availability and efficacy of interventions that target this phenomenon.

To provide a review of the prevalence, characteristics and interventions involving posttraumatic growth in adults receiving palliative care and to collate recommendations for future development and utilisation of interventions promoting posttraumatic growth.

We performed a systematic scoping review of studies investigating posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings using the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. We used the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.

Articles in all languages available on Ovid Medline [1946-2022], Embase [1947-2022], APA PsycINFO [1947-2022] and CINAHL [1981-2022] in November 2022.

Of 2167 articles located, 17 were included for review. These reported that most people report low to moderate levels of posttraumatic growth with a decline towards end-of-life as distress and symptom burden increase. Associations include a relationship between posttraumatic growth, acceptance and greater quality-of-life. A limited number of interventions have been evaluated and found to foster posttraumatic growth and promote significant psychological growth.

Posttraumatic growth is an emerging concept in palliative care where although the number of studies is small, early indications suggest that interventions fostering posttraumatic growth may contribute to improvements in psychological wellbeing in people receiving palliative care.

The aim was to investigate the extent and longitudinal determinants of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in cancer survivors.

A sample of 1316 cancer survivors with various cancer types was examined using the EORTC QLQ-FA12 to assess fatigue, the EORTC QLQ-C30 pain items to assess pain and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) to assess emotional distress two years after diagnosis (t0). Additionally, patients rated how well they felt informed about fatigue at t0. PTG was assessed with the 21-item PTG-Inventory four years after diagnosis (t1) comprising the five subdimensions appreciation of life, relation to others, personal strengths, new possibilities and spiritual change.

Regarding the extent of PTG, most positive developments were experienced in the PTG subdimension appreciation of life whereas the subdimension spiritual change was the least pronounced domain. Fatigue, pain and emotional distress were longitudinal but non-linear predictors of long-term PTG. Additionally, poor informedness about fatigue was associated with less PTG.

PTG can be perceived even years after a traumatic cancer event and is longitudinally associated with common cancer side effects like fatigue, emotional distress and pain. Further research into the role of individuals' informedness contributing to PTG is needed.

It has been increasingly recognized that some people experience post-traumatic growth (PTG) as a result of struggling with cancer.

This systematic review aims to identify psychosocial interventions that might facilitate PTG in adults with cancer.

A search was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest up to 16 September 2022. The PRISMA guidelines were followed; all included interventional studies had to comprise 30 or more adults with cancer, using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, from 1994 forward.

A total of 2731 articles were retrieved, 1028 of those were screened and 37 unique trials were included (46 articles). A large number of studies were published since 2018 (52.4%), were randomized controlled trials (43.2%), and had group interventions (34.8%), including mainly female participants (83.8%) with a single cancer type (54.1%). Most interventions (75.7%) were moderately to highly effective in increasing PTG (d = 0.65, 95% CI 0.39-0.91) with the most effective interventions using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (d = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.05-2.44), Mindfulness-based (d = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.14-0.94) and Education, Peer Support and Health Coaching interventions (d = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.1-0.46). Expression-based and Positive Psychology-based approaches also showed promising results. Notably, the majority of studies had a high risk of bias.

PTG facilitation is a promising field that should be pursued as it not only allows people with cancer to overcome their trauma but also results in them going over and above their pre-cancer state, enhancing resilience, health, and well-being.

Do cancer survivors experience positive changes (i.e., posttraumatic growth; PTG) resulting in better quality of life? The issue has yet to yield consistent notions. This longitudinal study extends the literature on the role of PTG by examining the curvilinear relationship between PTG and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and explored whether PTG predicts subsequent HRQoL in a quadratic relationship across 2 years following surgery.

Women with breast cancer (N = 359; Mage = 47.5) were assessed at five waves over two years. On every measurement occasion, PTG measured by the posttraumatic growth inventory and HRQoL measured by SF-36 were assessed. The five waves reflect major medical demands and related challenges in the breast cancer trajectory, in which 1-day, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery were adopted as the survey timing. In a series of hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analyses, the time-lagged predictions of PTG (i.e., linear, quadratic) on HRQoL were examined, controlling demographic and medical covariates.

The results revealed that the quadratic term of PTG consistently significantly predicted physical and mental health quality of life (PCS and MCS), while the linear term of PTG did not significantly predict PCS or MCS.

With multi-wave longitudinal data, this study demonstrated that the relationship between PTG and HRQoL is curvilinear, and this finding extends to PTG's prediction of subsequent HRQoL. The quadratic relationship has critical implications for clinical assessment and intervention. Details are discussed.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes severe physical and psychological impacts on the patients as well as their spousal caregivers. To facilitate the psychological adaptation of the CRC suffered couples, a couple-based posttraumatic growth (PTG) intervention was developed based on the PTG affective-cognitive processing model. The feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effect of this intervention were tested.

A pre-post randomized controlled pilot trail was conducted for Chinese couples coping with CRC. Participants in the intervention group were provided five weekly sessions consecutively, while those in the control group were treated with usual care during the testing period. Outcomes were described as positive changes (PTG, benefit finding [BF]), marital satisfaction, quality of life and anxiety and depression. Qualitative method was also used to evaluate the programme participating sense of the couples.

The rate of programme recruitment and programme retention amounts to 78.6% and 87.5%, respectively. The participants have reported overall satisfaction for the programme attendance and have suggested detailed diet guidance. Significant effects were revealed in the outcomes for the CRC couples, including PTG, marital satisfaction, BF, physical and mental health and anxiety and depression.

The study confirmed the feasibility and preliminary positive effect of the couple-based PTG intervention for the CRC couples. However, in order to extend it in more general applications, large-scale researches are warranted.

The couple-based intervention is effective for couples coping with CRC. Clinicians should take the components of the intervention into consideration in their practice work for the CRC couples.

Given the increasing number of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCT) performed world-wide, the increasing likelihood of survival following HSCT, and the profound physical, psychosocial, and emotional impact of HSCT on survivors, their carers and families, it is important to identify factors that may contribute to or support post-traumatic growth (PTG) after transplant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTG in an Australian cohort of long-term allogeneic HSCT survivors and describe associations between PTG and relevant clinical, sociodemographic and psychological variables.

This was a large, multi-centre, cross sectional survey of Australian HSCT-survivors inviting all those transplanted in New South Wales between 2000 and 2012. Respondents completed the PTG Inventory (PTGI), the Sydney Post-BMT Survey, FACT-BMT, DASS 21, The Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) Activity Assessment-Patient Self-Report (Form B), the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale. Data was analysed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and pearson's correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression adjusted for potential confounders and to ascertain independent associations of explanatory variables with PTG.

Of 441 respondents, 99% reported some level of PTG with 67% reporting moderate to high levels of PTG. Female gender, younger age, complementary therapy use, anxiety, psychological distress and psychosocial care, and higher quality of life were associated with higher levels of PTG. Importantly, we also found that PTG was not associated with either chronic GVHD or post-HSCT morbidity.

In this study - the largest study of PTG in long-term allogeneic HSCT survivors - we found that growth appears ubiquitous, with 99% of survivors reporting some degree of PTG and 67% reporting moderate-high levels of PTG. Importantly, we found no association with GVHD or chronic physical post-HSCT morbidity, or adverse financial, occupational or sexual impacts. This suggests that it is the necessity for and experience of, HSCT itself that foments personal growth. Accordingly, healthcare professionals should be alert to the profound and wide-ranging impact of HSCT - and the degree to which survivor's may experience PTG. Identifying interventions that may assist HSCT survivors cope and building their resilience is of utmost importance.

Psychological resilience helps individuals to actively respond to various emergencies, but its mediating role between the rumination and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of nurses remains unknown. Our study aimed to explore the extent to which psychological resilience mediates the association between rumination and PTG among nurses working in mobile cabin hospitals. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 449 medical team members working in mobile cabin hospitals to support the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 in Shanghai, China in 2022. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess the correlation between rumination, psychological resilience, and PTG. Structural equation models were used to examine the mediating role of psychological resilience between rumination and PTG. Our study results showed that deliberate rumination directly promoted psychological resilience and PTG and had positive effects on PTG through the mediating effect of psychological resilience. Invasive rumination had no direct effect on PTG. However, it had a negative effect on PTG through the mediating effect of psychological resilience. Together the results of this study indicate that the mediating effect of psychological resilience was significant in the association of rumination and PTG among mobile cabin hospital nurses, with a higher individual psychological resilience level helping nurses to achieve PTG. Therefore, targeted interventions should be implemented to improve nurses' psychological resilience and guide their rapid growth.

Storytelling has long been considered an effective means of communication, allowing the teller to process their emotions in light of particular life challenges. Effects on the listener also have been demonstrated to be beneficial, especially if the listener is faced with a similar life challenge. Less is known regarding the potential effects of storytelling on listening dyads and opportunities for joint processing following exposure to relevant stories. We sought to study these phenomena in the context of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), a demanding medical procedure requiring intensive informal caregiving and thus great patient-caregiver entwinement. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore participants' perceptions of a 4-week web-based digital storytelling (DST) intervention using both quantitative ratings of acceptability and qualitative coding of interviews conducted after intervention completion. A total of 202 participants (101 HCT patient-caregiver dyads) were recruited from the Mayo Clinic Arizona and randomized into either a DST arm or an Information Control (IC) arm. Participants in the DST arm rated the acceptability of the intervention and were asked to participate in a 30-minute phone interview to discuss their experience with the DST intervention. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo 12 for coding and analysis, using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches to organize the data, create categories, and develop themes and subthemes. A total of 38 participants (19 HCT patient-caregiver dyads) completed the post-intervention interviews. Patients were 63% male and 82% White, 68% received allogeneic HCT, and their mean age was 55 years. The median time from HCT was 25 days (range, 6 to 56 days). Caregivers were mostly patients' spouses (73%) and female (69%), with a mean age of 56 years. In general, the 4-week web-based DST intervention was well accepted and liked by both patients and caregivers regarding the duration, dyadic participation, and convenience of participating in the intervention at home. Patients and caregivers who completed the DST intervention indicated that they were satisfied with the intervention (mean score, 4.5 of 5), were likely to recommend it to others (mean score, 4.4), would watch more stories (mean score, 4.1), and that the experience was worth their time (mean score, 4.6). Major themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis included (1) building communal connection through engaging with the stories; (2) positive emotional growth after HCT; (3) value of gaining the other's perspective; and (4) impact of open communication on the patient-caregiver relationship. A web-based DST intervention provides an attractive format through which to deliver a nonpharmacologic psychosocial intervention to HCT patient-caregiver dyads. Watching the emotional content in digital stories may help patients and caregivers cope with psychoemotional challenges together and provide an opportunity for emotional disclosure. Further work on determining optimal paths to disclosure is warranted.

The diagnosis of cancer is an adverse event; nevertheless, it can also exert positive changes on survivors, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG). This review aims to integrate researches on PTG in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, including manifestations and prevalence of PTG, factors associated with PTG and interventions on PTG.

A systematic search was implemented on six databases to identify studies on PTG in CRC survivors published in English or Chinese from October 1995 to May 2022. We also performed a manual search for additional studies from the article reference lists.

Thirty-one studies were included. The results were integrated based on the PTG theoretical framework and PTG affective-cognitive processing model. PTG manifests in CRC survivor-caregiver dyads in five domains, including personal growth, appreciation of life, relating to others, new possibilities and spiritual change. Factors correlated with PTG can be integrated into levels of personality, event cognitions, appraisal mechanisms, emotional states, coping and social environmental context. Elements of interventions can be integrated according to the affective-cognitive processing PTG model. Existing interventions are effective in promoting PTG in CRC survivors.

We provide a systematic perspective on studies targeting PTG in CRC survivors. PTG manifested in survivor-caregiver dyads. Factors associated with PTG in CRC survivors are significant, and the interventions are effective. An intervention programme based on the affective-cognitive processing model and focused on CRC survivor-caregiver dyads would be significant for the dyads facing cancer.

Benefit finding (BF) - the occurrence of positive life-changes in the aftermath of traumatic live events - has been repeatedly reported in prostate cancer (PCa) survivors, but it remains unclear in which way BF might vary over time. The current study aimed to investigate the extent of BF and associated factors in different phases of the survivorship continuum.

In this cross-sectional study, men affected by PCa who were either already treated with radical prostatectomy or going to be treated with radical prostatectomy at a large German PCa center were included. These men were stratified into four groups (prior to surgery, up to 12 months after surgery, 2-5 years and ≥ 6-10 years after surgery). BF was assessed using the German version of the 17-item Benefit Finding Scale (BFS). The items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. A total mean score ≥ 3 was considered as moderate-to-high BF. Associations with clinical and psychological factors were assessed in men presenting before and in those who participated after surgery. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify intendent determinants of BF.

2,298 men affected by PCa (mean age at survey: 69.5,SD = 8.2; median follow-up: 3 years (25th -75th percentile 0.5-7)) were included. 49.6% of men reported moderate-to-high BF. The mean BF score was 2.91 (SD = 0.92). BF reported by men before surgery did not differ significantly from BF reported by men in the years after surgery (p = 0.56). Higher BF prior to and following radical prostatectomy was associated with higher perceived severity of the disease (pre-surgery: ß = 0.188, p = 0.008; post-surgery: ß = 0.161, p = < 0.0001) and higher cancer-related distress (pre-surgery: ß ? 0.155, p = 0.03; post-surgery: ß = 0.089, p < 0.0001). Post radical prostatectomy BF was also associated with biochemical recurrence during follow-up (ß = 0.089, p = 0.001), and higher quality of life (ß = 0.124, p < 0.001).

Many men affected by PCa perceive BF already soon after diagnosis. The subjective perception of threat or severity associated with the diagnosis of PCa is an essential factor for higher levels of BF, probably more important than objective indicators of the severity of the disease. The early onset of BF and the high degree of similarity of BF reported across the different phases of survivorship suggests that BF is, to a large extent, a dispositional personal characteristic and a cognitive strategy of positively coping with cancer.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change experienced after trauma and it has gained global recognition in recent years. The present study aimed to validate a South Korean version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Expanded (K-PTGI-X) for use with trauma-exposed and bereaved samples. A national sample comprising South Korean adults was used for the analysis. As a result, the 4-factor bi-factor model was best supported in both the trauma and bereaved groups in terms of personal strength, new possibilities, spiritual-existential change, and being able to relate to others. Additionally, the K-PTGI-X showed satisfying reliability, concurrent validity, and discriminant validity. Lastly, regarding the group differences, women showed higher rates of PTG than men and the bereaved group exhibited higher spiritual and existential growth in the PTG than the trauma group. Given these results, implications for adaptation in various fields when assessing and encouraging PTG in practical settings are discussed.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic was recognized as a collective trauma and as a major threat to mental health. Recent literature focused on the stress symptomatology or post-traumatic stress disorder associated to the COVID-19 exposure. The concept that people have a natural inclination toward growth, even under stressful and threatening events, gathered less attention. Previous research has analyzed antecedents of post-traumatic growth (PTG) with non-conclusive results. Methods. The present research aimed at including findings on PTG from personality traits, i.e., sense of control and self-mastery, and distal condition of nurturance and support received by others, i.e., cognitive and affective well-being. Analyses were based on 4934 interviews with adults (Mage = 57.81 years, 55.5% women) from the Swiss Household Panel study. Results. Relationships over time emerged between sense of control and self-mastery on PTG and worries, measured after two years, via the mediation of cognitive and affective well-being. Conclusion. Results come from a large study in a design seldom employed in this type of research and can inform both research and interventions.

This study explores the impact of posttraumatic stress (PTS) on posttraumatic growth (PTG) and verifies the mediating effect of spirituality among patients with cancer.

This study used a cross-sectional correlational design. This study surveyed 141 hospitalized patients over 20 years of age diagnosed with cancer. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling from a regional hospital in Taiwan. Data were collected from January to April 2021. Measurements included sociodemographic and disease-related information and data from the following self-report questionnaires: Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index-Short Form, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and Spiritual Health Scale-Short Form. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping were used to analyze the mediating effect of spiritual health on PTS and PTG.

PTS and spirituality were negatively correlated, spirituality, and PTG were positively correlated, and PTS had no correlation with PTG. Spirituality fully presented a mediating role between PTS and PTG.

Patients' spirituality should be regarded as an important variable that can impact stress appraisal and improve the patient's PTG when a diagnosis of cancer is received. Assessing spiritual health at regular intervals and integrating spiritual care with clinical care could decrease PTS and improve PTG for patients with cancer.

This study assessed the psychosocial factors associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women breast cancer survivors. Women (N = 128) completed questionnaires on social support, religiosity, hope, optimism, benefit-finding, PTG and HRQoL. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results showed that perceived social support, religiosity, hope, optimism, and benefit finding were positively associated with PTG. Religiosity and PTG were positively associated with HRQoL. The results suggest that interventions aimed at increasing religiosity, hope, optimism, and perceived support can help survivors cope better with breast cancer.

Although the antidepressant effects of physical activity have been well established, the underlying psychological mechanisms are understudied among cancer survivors. The present study aims to examine the parallel mediating effects of posttraumatic growth and body image on the association between walking activity and emotional distress (anxiety and depression) among Chinese breast cancer survivors.

Chinese breast cancer survivors (n = 235) completed a cross-sectional questionnaire that assessed walking activity, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic growth, and body image over the past week. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized mediation model.

The hypothesized model was supported: walking activity was positively associated with posttraumatic growth and body image satisfaction, which were then negatively associated with anxiety and depression. After controlling for the mediators, the direct effect of physical activity on depression was still significant, whereas the direct effect of physical activity on anxiety was no longer significant.

Our findings suggest that posttraumatic growth and body image may be essential psychological pathways underlying the association between walking activity and emotional distress among Chinese breast cancer survivors. Researchers and health practitioners should consider supplementing physical activity interventions with mental health services that facilitate psychological growth and a positive body image to enhance the potential psychological benefits of physical activity.

The aim of this study was to explore the factors that are associated with posttraumatic growth among spouses of women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.

A cross-sectional descriptive study.

A convenience sample of 312 spouses of women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer was recruited from two comprehensive hospitals in China, from March 2018 to March 2020. Demographic characteristics, cancer-related characteristics, posttraumatic growth, perceived social support and coping were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. The methods were guided by the STROBE checklist.

The mean score of posttraumatic growth was 46.7 (standard deviation = 16.7). The associated factors of posttraumatic growth were spouses' age, perceived social support, problem-focused coping, dysfunctional coping (e.g. denial) and cancer treatment received by partners, which accounted for 34% of total posttraumatic growth score.

All participants contributed to the conducting of this study by completing self-reported questionnaires.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment constitute profoundly stressful experiences involving unique and common challenges that generate uncertainty, fear, and emotional distress. Individuals with cancer must cope with multiple stressors, from the point of diagnosis through surgical and adjuvant treatments and into survivorship, that require substantial psychological and physiological adaptation. This can take a toll on quality of life and well-being and may also promote cellular and molecular changes that can exacerbate physical symptoms and facilitate tumor growth and metastasis, thereby contributing to negative long-term health outcomes. Since modifying responses tostressors might improve psychological and physiological adaptation, quality of life, and clinical health outcomes, several randomized controlled trials have tested interventions that aim to facilitate stress management. We review evidence for the effects of stress management interventions on psychological and physiological adaptation and health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors and summarize emerging research in the field to address unanswered questions.

This study investigated the intraindividual variability in daily posttraumatic growth (PTG) versus posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), positive and negative affect (PA and NA), and HIV/AIDS stigma among people living with HIV (PLWH). In particular, we examined whether this variability derives from participants' resilience operationalized on a trait level. The participants included 67 PLWH, who completed a baseline questionnaire on resilience, measured with the Brief Resilience Scale. Following this, they completed the shortened versions of the following inventories over five consecutive days: the Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation Inventory V Expanded version Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - Expanded Form, and the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was utilized to analyze the study results. We observed significant intraindividual variability in PTG, PTD, PA, NA, and perceived HIV/AIDS stigma. Resilience was related to PTG, PTD, PA, and NA but not to stigma. Moreover, higher resilience was associated with higher, stabler PA and lower, stabler NA. Our results highlight the need of further studies on the daily functioning of PLWH. Specifically, while health status is important, it does not appear to be the predominant source of everyday distress for PLWH. Consequently, psychological counselling for PLWH should concentrate more on the life of the person as a whole and not only on coping with HIV infection.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the association between meaning in life (MiL), meaning-making and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of cancer.

A systematic search was conducted in eighteen electronic databases. The screening and selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines. For the purpose of the meta-analysis, the correlation coefficients between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth were extracted from the included studies. The effect size (r) was calculated using the restricted maximum-likelihood estimator, a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed through the Q statistic, I² index and forest plot, while publication bias was analyzed with the use of the funnel plot and Egger's test.

889 records were considered according to the inclusion criteria. A total of nine articles, published between 2006 and 2021, were included in the systematic review. More than half were published in the last five years. The sample was mostly diagnosed with breast cancer. The meta-analysis included five articles (N = 844) and the results indicate a significant moderate correlation between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.43, 95% IC [0.36, 0.50]).

In conclusion, there is a clear association between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. Future research should explore this relationship further, in order to better assist and guide meaning centered interventions that can potentiate a positive adjustment and possibly growth from the cancer experience.

The possibility of positive psychological changes after cancer, namely, posttraumatic growth, is a growing field of research. Identifying personality traits and coping strategies related to posttraumatic growth may help find vulnerable individuals as well as promote helpful coping strategies to help more patients make positive changes at an early stage. The aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an overview of the quantitative data on coping strategies and personality traits associated with posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer and cancer survivors as well as the methods used in included studies. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases (PubMed, PubPsych, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PSYNDEXplus). The 70 reports of included studies assessed posttraumatic growth using questionnaires in a sample of patients with cancer or survivors. In addition, associations with a personality trait or coping strategy had to be examined cross-sectionally or longitudinally. All 1698 articles were screened for titles and abstracts by two authors, after which disputed articles were reviewed by a third author. Afterwards, articles were screened for full texts. Most studies had a cross-sectional design and used a sample of patients with breast cancer. Coping strategies have been researched more than personality factors. The personality traits of resilience, hardiness, dispositional positive affectivity, and dispositional gratitude seem to be related to posttraumatic growth, while the Big Five personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) have been less researched and/or seem to be unrelated. The use of social support, religious coping, positive reframing, and reflection during illness as coping strategies seems to be related to posttraumatic growth. The findings can be used for the development of interventions. Future studies should investigate associations longitudinally.

This study aims to evaluate the factors that influence post-traumatic growth (PTG), including religious coping and resilience. This descriptive and correlational study involved 111 cancer patients, followed up at a hematology inpatient clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. Religious coping scale, resilience scale, and PTG inventory were used for data collection. PTG was positively associated with negative religious coping and was negatively associated with age. PTG scores were higher for patients without children, who were recently diagnosed, had higher knowledge about the disease, and used negative religious coping.

To describe fear of cancer recurrence in a cohort of women with gynecologic cancers and to identify psychosocial predictors of elevated fear of recurrence.

Survey data from an ongoing cohort study of gynecologic cancer survivors were used (n = 154). Relationships between fear of cancer recurrence measured by the 6-item Cancer Worry Scale in the most recent survey and psychosocial factors (cancer-related distress, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and posttraumatic growth) assessed 6-18 months prior were examined using univariate and multivariate linear regression models, adjusting for age, cancer stage, cancer type, and time since diagnosis.

Most participants were ≥60 years old, diagnosed with early-stage cancer, and 2-5 years post-diagnosis. The mean score on the Cancer Worry Scale was 10.31 (SD = 3.01), and 46 individuals (30.0%) scored ≥12, indicating high fear of recurrence. In univariate analyses, greater distress (p = 0.007), anxiety (p = 0.006), hopelessness (p = 0.007), and posttraumatic growth (p = 0.0006) were significantly associated with higher scores on the Cancer Worry Scale. The associations of hopelessness and posttraumatic growth with higher Cancer Worry Scale scores remained significant after adjustment for covariates.

Fear of recurrence is frequent among gynecologic cancer survivors. Women who reported more distress, hopelessness, anxiety and, surprisingly, more post-traumatic growth reported more fear. These results contribute to our understanding of which cancer survivors are most at risk of elevated fear of recurrence and highlight the importance of continued focus on psychosocial well-being among cancer survivors.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes resulting from individuals' inner struggles with traumatic events such as life-threatening illness. Although palliative care patients are confronted with their own mortality, little is known about their PTG experience. This study investigates whether PTG is an empirically relevant concept for palliative patients by assessing the prevalence and areas of growth, and examining associations with psychological distress and quality of life.

Participants were recruited in Switzerland. Using validated questionnaires, we assessed PTG (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, PTGI), psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (McGill-Quality of Life Questionnaire - Revised). We performed descriptive analyses, Spearman correlations, and linear regressions.

Fifty-five patients completed the PTGI, 44% of whom experienced no/low growth, 47% moderate growth, and 9% high/very high growth. Participants experienced the greatest positive changes in terms of appreciating life and relating to others. We found significant negative bivariate correlations between PTG and psychological distress (r = -0.33) and between PTG and depression (r = -0.47). Linear regressions showed that PTG is associated with depression (β = -0.468; p = 0.000), but not with anxiety or quality of life (adjusted R² = 0.219).

Over half of our patients experienced moderate to very high growth, indicating that PTG is an empirically relevant psychological process in palliative care. PTG is associated with lower levels of depression, possibly as those experiencing growth are more able to process past traumas and build a more positive outlook on one's life and self. By contrast, the relative independence of anxiety and PTG points to the likely coexistence of positive and negative psychological responses to trauma. The lack of association between PTG and quality of life points to the uniqueness of the PTG concept in capturing how people access deeper meaning and greater appreciation of life along the path toward posttraumatic self-reconstruction.