Posttraumatic growth following breast cancer: A controlled comparison study

Cancer may be viewed as a psychosocial transition with the potential for po sitive and negative outcomes, This cross-sectional study (a) compared breas t cancer (BC) survivors' (n = 70) self-reports of depression, well-being, a nd posttraumatic growth with those of age- and education-matched healthy co mparison women (n = 70) and (b) identified correlates of posttraumatic grow th among BC survivors. Groups did not differ in depression or well-being, b ut the BC group showed a pattern of greater posttraumatic growth, particula rly in relating to others, appreciation of Life, and spiritual change. BC p articipants' posttraumatic growth was unrelated to distress or well-being b ut was positively associated with perceived life-threat, prior talking abou t breast cancer, income, and time since diagnosis. Research that has focuse d solely on detection of distress and its correlates may paint an incomplet e and potentially misleading picture of adjustment to cancer.