title: A structural equation model of posttraumatic growth after prostate cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Posttraumatic growth (PTG) encompasses an individual's perception of positive personal changes as a consequence of a traumatic incident. The current study tested a theoretical model of PTG with the inclusion of resilience in the context of cancer survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Members of a prostate cancer support network were invited to complete a cross-sectional mail survey (N = 514, 52.8% response; mean age 70.17 years, and time since diagnosis 7.5 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Challenge appraisal (β = 0.361), examining core beliefs (β = 0.474), intrusive rumination (β = 0.130), and peer support factors (β = 0.104) had significant direct effects on PTG. Resilience (β = 0.164), challenge appraisal (β = 0.215), distress (β = 0.186), and examining core beliefs (β = 0.105) had significant indirect effects on PTG.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results support the notion that the appraisal of cancer, disruption of fundamental beliefs, and experience of intrusive cancer-related rumination are associated with PTG. Additionally, a sense of connection with peers and seeking an understanding of the cancer experience through peers is important for the perception of PTG. Possible indirect pathways were also proposed between resilience and PTG.
authors.affiliation: Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia; Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Bronwyn A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010379:Peer Group; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: core beliefs; oncology; posttraumatic growth; prostate cancer; rumination