Posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth Simultaneously in patients with breast cancer

introduction: The posttraumatic stress and Posttraumatic Growth are experienced following a traumatic event such as cancer diagnosis. But there is not clear which them can win in the competition. The aim of this study was to test the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic growth (PTG), exploring the roles of challenges to core beliefs and types of rumination among patients with breast cancer. Method:161 women previously treated for early stage breast cancer were participated. In this study, we tested a comprehensive model of PTG, PTSD, and satisfaction with life. Results: Results showed that challenge to core beliefs was directly associated with both deliberate and intrusive rumination. Deliberate rumination was positively related to PTG; intrusive rumination was positively related to symptoms of PTSD. PTG and PTSD, in turn, mediated the relationship between rumination styles and satisfaction with life; PTG was related to higher satisfaction with life; and PTSD was negatively related to satisfaction with life. Conclusion: Results indicate that the intentional facilitation of PTG may be a complementary and alternative option to the reduction of PTSD symptoms for improving satisfaction with life. Findings suggest that efforts to facilitate PTG should be focused on strategies for promoting deliberate rumination in patients with cancer.

Keywords:

breast cancer , posttraumatic stress , Posttraumatic Growth , core beliefs , rumination