Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth following breast cancer

Šimunović, Mara. (2014). Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth following breast cancer. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Psychology. [mentor Ljubotina, Damir].

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Abstract

Modern concepts of trauma assume that a life – threatening disease as breast cancer can potentially cause posttraumatic stress disorder. More attention is also given to investigating positive changes that happen due to experiencing and understanding traumatic event. The aim of this study was to investigate posttraumatic stress reactions, posttraumatic growth (PTG) and some factors related to these two concepts in women treated for breast cancer. The sample in this study included 97 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and were 1 month to 6 years post - completion of all primary breast cancer therapy. We identified 21 of 97 women (21.6%) as likely candidates for formal diagnosis of PTSD using the cutoff method on PCL - C. PTSD symptomatology positively related to chance external health locus of control and perceived stressfulness of disease. Most of participants reported experiencing positive changes due to their illness. Younger age, living with a partner, perceived stressfulness of disease, intrinsic religiosity and internal health locus of control were associated with greater PTG. Participants reported that the most helpful strategies of coping with cancer were seeking social support and religious coping. More than 83 % of participants evaluated their coping with disease as ˝successful˝ or ˝very successful˝.

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