Meaning in life, meaning-making and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

IntroductionThe 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.MethodsA 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.Results889 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]).DiscussionIn 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.

Reappraising personal values in cancer: Meaning‐in‐life adaptation, meaningfulness, and quality of life

“…Moreover, patients who reappraised their personal values reported higher scores in personal meaning, self‐transcendence, achievement, self‐direction, stimulation, and physical well‐being compared to those who did not change their personal values but still exhibited valued living. These findings highlight the intrinsic connection between meaning adaptation, meaningfulness, quality of life, and personal growth, aligning with previous studies emphasizing the role of meaning in life in PTG 31 …”

“…These findings highlight the intrinsic connection between meaning adaptation, meaningfulness, quality of life, and personal growth, aligning with previous studies emphasizing the role of meaning in life in PTG. 31 Importantly, meaning adaptation was also associated with physical well-being. Many cancer patients placed increased emphasis on physical self-care as part of their adapted values, potentially leading to improved physical well-being.…”

Posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings: A scoping review of prevalence, characteristics and interventions

“…Indeed, studies examining posttraumatic growth during cancer treatment and in survivorship also examine and review similar terms referring to personal growth after diagnosis and/or treatment where clear associations are shown. 61,70…”

“…Furthermore, they found that those who experienced a better quality-of-life at the end of life reported significantly higher posttraumatic growth, a finding reported in several previous studies among people with and surviving cancer. 61,76…”

“…Furthermore, they found that those who experienced a better quality-of-life at the end of life reported significantly higher posttraumatic growth, a findingreportedinseveralpreviousstudiesamongpeople withandsurvivingcancer. 61,76 In another identified study, Althaus et al 44 focussed specificallyongratitudewheretheyfoundonlyoneassociation, that being with the appreciation domain of the PTGI. Positive associations between gratitude and post-traumaticgrowtharereportedinotherstudieswithKim andBae 77 showingthatgratitudeanddeliberateruminationfacilitateposttraumaticgrowthintraumatisedadults andthatgratitudereinforcesthepositiveeffectofrumination.Furtherstudiesshowthathighlygratefulindividuals experience greater posttraumatic growth following traumaticevents.…”