Coping processes relevant to posttraumatic growth: an evidence-based review

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aims to perform an evidence-based review on the quantitative data regarding coping processes related to posttraumatic growth in the field of oncology to facilitate understanding of posttraumatic growth in oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients.Material and methodsPubmed, Medline, and PsycINFO were used for the search and the reference list checked for each selected article. Full articles meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved. Only English articles were included.ResultsThe initial search yielded 934 publications; 64 “potentially relevant papers” and 21 “effective” papers formed the basis of this review. Personality traits and social support lead to development of positive coping methods in cancer patients. Overriding influences are benefit finding and meaning making. Specific coping processes were identified to be significantly associated with posttraumatic growth in patients suffering from different cancers and a need for additional prospective research regarding specific processes and outcomes among oral cavity cancer patients. A proposed theoretical model based on the evidence of management of other cancer research fields is suggested for patients with OCC.ConclusionAn evidence-based review of coping strategies related to posttraumatic growth was performed which identified key coping strategies and factors that enhance coping processes. A conceptual model of coping strategies to enhance posttraumatic growth in OCC patients based on the scientific evidence attained is suggested to provide a more holistic approach to OCC management.

A prospective study of the impact of floods on the mental and physical health of older adults

“…Although this is somewhat counter-intuitive in light of abundant evidence on the effectiveness of coping strategies in symptom reduction (Rajandram, Jenewein, McGrath, & Zwahlen, 2011), it is consistent with other disaster studies that also reported greater symptoms with more frequent use of coping (Mason et al, 2010;Vernberg et al, 1996). It is possible that participants with greater symptoms were more aware of symptom impact, therefore more likely to utilise coping.…”

Anticipated posttraumatic growth from cancer: The roles of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies

“…planning subscale). I chose these scales based on previous research and evidence of their relationships with PTG (Helgeson et al, 2006;Rajandram et al, 2011). The COPE has demonstrated adequate test-retest and internal consistency reliability (Carver et al, 1989).…”

“…A recent evidenced-based review of the oncology literature found supporting evidence for the link between positive coping processes (e.g. active and positive reframing) and PTG (Rajandram, Jenewein, McGrath, & Zwahlen, 2011).…”

Posttraumatic Growth and Social Support in Turkish Patients with Cancer

“…Social support leads to development of positive coping methods in cancer patients. Overriding influences are benefit finding and meaning making (Rajandram et al, 2011). Emotional support is important for the experience of posttraumatic growth of cancer survivors in the period following diagnosis.…”