Post-traumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Background: Studies about cancer-related trauma have shown that psychological reactionsto the disease are not exclusively negative but most patients also report positiveexperiences. These positive perceptions are also called post-traumatic growth and benefitpatients psychologically, spiritually, and physically. Therefore, we have conducted a studyabout how women with breast cancer perceive post- traumatic growth and the recognitionof its dimensions in Iran.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted by using Interpretative PhenomenologicalAnalysis. A total of 23 women with breast cancer who met the inclusioncriteria were selected after which patients completed a researcher-generated open-endedquestionnaire. Data were analyzed according to the guidelines for the InterpretativePhenomenological Analysis and Smith method.Results: Participants’ perceptions in this study about post-traumatic growth includedthree themes: spiritual growth, appreciation of life, and increased personal strengths.Conclusion: Themes found in this study conformed to dimensions according to theTedeschi and Calhoun theory of post-traumatic growth. However, relations with otherswere not found in the present study. We propose that interventions should be designed andimplemented in order to facilitate and enhance post-traumatic growth.