A structural equation model of posttraumatic growth after prostate cancer

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) encompasses an individual's perception of positive personal changes as a consequence of a traumatic incident. The current study tested a theoretical model of PTG with the inclusion of resilience in the context of cancer survivors. Methods: Members of a prostate cancer support network were invited to complete a cross-sectional mail survey (N= 514, 52.8% response; mean age 70.17 years, and time since diagnosis 7.5 years). Results: Challenge appraisal (ߠ= 0.361), examining core beliefs (ߠ= 0.474), intrusive rumination (ߠ= 0.130), and peer support factors (ߠ= 0.104) had significant direct effects on PTG. Resilience (ߠ= 0.164), challenge appraisal (ߠ= 0.215), distress (ߠ= 0.186), and examining core beliefs (ߠ= 0.105) had significant indirect effects on PTG. Conclusions: Results support the notion that the appraisal of cancer, disruption of fundamental beliefs, and experience of intrusive cancer-related rumination are associated with PTG. Additionally, a sense of connection with peers and seeking an understanding of the cancer experience through peers is important for the perception of PTG. Possible indirect pathways were also proposed between resilience and PTG.