Post-traumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Survivors: New Insights into its Relationships with Well-Being and Distress.
Abstract
Research investigating possible relations between Post-traumatic growth (PTG) and clinical indexes--such as psychosocial distress, physical and psychological well-being--is lacking in medical settings. The aim of this study was to look into such relationships in breast cancer survivors (Bcs) and in healthy control subjects who experienced other stressful events. Sixty Bcs and 60 healthy women reporting other stressful events were compared according to the following scales: Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, Psychological Well-being Scales (PWB), Symptom Questionnaire and Psychosocial Index. Bcs reported significantly higher levels of PTG and distress, and lower levels of PWB compared to healthy women. Bcs with high levels of PTG showed increased levels of physical well-being and decreased distress. Healthy women under stressful circumstances reporting high levels of PTG showed increased levels of PWB. PTG levels were higher in Bcs and associated with decreased psychological distress and somatisation. These results carry important implications for clinical assessment, as well as for planning interventions to improve well-being and resilience in oncology.
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Posttraumatic growth represents a unique transitional process characterized by several positive psychological outcomes beyond the level of attainment prior to the traumatic event of living with cancer and contributes to psychological and physical well-being of cancer survivors.
“posttraumatic growth represents a unique transitional process characterized by several positive psychological outcomes (such as better appreciation of life, positive relationship with others, higher spiritual development, greater personal strength, and enhanced new possibilities in life) beyond the level of attainment prior to the traumatic event of living with cancer and contribute to”
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“This study emphasize on investigating how ACT and MBSR affect changes in posttraumatic growth as the primary outcome as posttraumatic growth represents a unique transitional process characterized by several positive psychological outcomes (such as better appreciation of life, positive relationship with others, higher…”
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- Authors
- Ruini, C., Vescovelli, F., & Albieri, E.
- Affiliations
- University of Bologna (IT)
- Corresponding author
- Ruini, Chiara
- Venue
- Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Published
- 2012-12-11
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 383-391
- ISSN
- 1068-9583 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-3572
- OpenAlex
- W2059726150
- Cited by
- 89
- References
- 59
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 11 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 3
- FWCI
- 1.58
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Archivio istituzionale della ricerca (Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
- Keywords
- posttraumatic growth, breast cancer survivors, psychological well-being, psychological distress, somatization, resilience, life events, physical well-being, psychosocial distress
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Breast Neoplasms, Female, Humans, Italy, Life Change Events, Middle Aged, Personal Satisfaction, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Stress, Psychological, Survivors, Resilience, Psychological
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