Posttraumatic Growth and Related Factors among Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women which is a highly-challenging and traumatic situation for women which threatens some psychological aspects such as femininity, motherhood and sexuality and therefore differs from other cancer types. Recently, rather than focusing on negative consequences of breast cancer after diagnosis and treatment, researchers focus on possible positive consequences after experiencing a trauma which refers to posttraumatic growth. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between social support, dispositional hope, internal-external locus of control and posttraumatic growth among postoperative breast cancer patients. The study was conducted with 31 postoperative breast cancer women (mean age=50.48, SD=11.59) who were undergoing postoperative treatment. Participants were from different cities in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. "Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI)", Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support "(MSPSS)", "The Hope Scale (HS)" and "Rotter's Internal-External of Control Scale (IELCS)" were administered to test the hypothesis of the study. Posttraumatic growth was found to be positively related with social and dispositional hope. Besides, the results did not reveal any significant relationship between posttraumatic growth and locus of control. Understanding the contributing factors to the development of posttraumatic growth among breast cancer patients is an important issue in the posttreatment process of breast cancer to improve psychological health of women with breast cancer.

“I Will Not Be Defined by This. I’m Not Going to Live Like a Victim; It Is Not Going to Define My Life”: Exploring Breast Cancer Survivors’ Experiences and Sense of Self

“…The experience of a chronic illness such as cancer and the reaction to it can trigger tremendous levels of anxiety; it alters a person’s self-concept and shifts the previously known identity to a new unknown identity (Phipps, 2018). Cancer is perceived as an invader, feared as incurable and life-threatening, impacts a woman’s physical and psychological well-being, and affects survivors’ womanhood, motherhood, femininity, and sexuality (Baglama & Atak, 2015; Black et al, 2020). During early stages of diagnosis, cancer patients often view themselves as unworthy, victimized, out of control, and at risk of dying (Contrada & Ashmore, 1999).…”

“…Fear. As cancer is perceived as a threat to one’s mortality, it is a traumatic event that is associated with horror and trepidation (Baglama & Atak, 2015). Cancer is associated with high levels of uncertainty regarding the future and is directly aligned with death and mortality; it provokes alarming and fearful reactions regarding one’s sense of self (Koutri & Avdi, 2016):Oh my God, It’s cancer!…”

Breast Cancer Patient’s Experience of Post-Traumatic Growth: Relationship With Coping Strategies and Social Support.

“…This is of particular relevance to Asian collectivist cultures that emphasise mutual support among family members and kinships at all times (Markus & Kitayama, 1991). Post-traumatic growth has also been found to be positively related with social support (Baglama & Atak, 2015). The finding of this study that support from family and significant other influences post-traumatic growth can have implications for organising and facilitating activities involving family that provide support for the development of autonomy, skills and sense of belonging to the community in women with breast cancer.…”

Depression and marital satisfaction: the mediating role of sexual satisfaction and perceived partner acceptance in women after mastectomy

“…According to Madhumanti and Sathiyaseelan (2014), women a year after mastectomy experienced greater satisfaction with the relationship, and showed better adaptation and fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety if their partner could adequately communicate their attachment, love, hope and compassion. This type of support strengthens the closeness of the partners and their satisfaction with the relationship and supports mutual understanding and care (Baglama & Atak, 2015;Svetina & Nastran, 2012;Brix et al, 2013).…”

“…Strong emotions accompanying the fight against the disease and a sense of lack of control over changes that occur in the body as a result of the treatment may pose a threat to mental health (Heidari, Shahbazi, & Ghodusi, 2015). On the other hand coping with disease can sometimes lead to the post-traumatic growth in women after breast cancer surgery (Baglama & Atak, 2015;Brix et al, 2013;Andysz, Najder, Merecz-Kot, & Wójcik, 2015;Ogińska-Bulik, 2010). Numerous studies suggest that people with cancer might experience their diagnosis and treatment as traumatic (e.g.…”