Posttraumatic growth after breast cancer: patient, partner, and couple perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate posttraumatic growth among breast cancer patients and their significant others over a 1(1/2)-year time span after diagnosis and to examine cognitive and emotional processes in posttraumatic growth.


METHODS
One hundred sixty-two women with breast cancer and their partners completed surveys assessing posttraumatic growth, cognitive and emotional processing, and marital satisfaction at 3 time points spaced 9 months apart.


RESULTS
Posttraumatic growth increased for both partners during this period. Patient posttraumatic growth was predicted by younger age, contemplating reasons for cancer, and more emotional expression at time 1. Partner posttraumatic growth was predicted by younger age, more intrusive thoughts, and greater use of positive reappraisal and emotional processing at time 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Posttraumatic growth is reported by patients and by significant others. Cognitive and emotional processes predict growth. Patient growth is associated with the significant other's cognitive and emotional processing of breast cancer.
Manne
Sharon
S
Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA. SL-Manne@fccc.edu
Ostroff
Jamie
J
Winkel
Gary
G
Goldstein
Lori
L
Fox
Kevin
K
Grana
Generosa
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011336:Probability; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*