Investigating the Relationship Between Posttraumatic Growth Dimensions and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Blood, Colorectal and Breast Cancer Patients

Background & purpose: experience of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer leads to the comprehension of its positive outcomes along with its negative consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine the curve linear and linear relationship between post-traumatic growth dimensions and post-traumatic stress symptoms in cancer patients. Materials & Methods: The present study was a descriptive-correlational study conducted on 200 patients with breast, leukemia and colon cancer. The samples were selected by the convenience sampling method. Participants completed posttraumatic growth inventory and PTSD checklist for civilians. Data analysis was performed in SPSS, version 17 using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, coefficient test, linear and nonlinear regression. Results: According to the results there is a significant non-linear relationship between some dimensions of post-traumatic growth and post-traumatic stress symptoms. A cubic relationship was significant between Relationship with others, Personal strength, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. But nonlinear relationship was not significant for new possibilities, spiritual changes, and appreciation of life and posttraumatic stress symptoms as a predictor. Also, the components of post-traumatic stress symptoms, negative changes in cognition and mood and arousal as a predictor, had significant nonlinear relationship with dimensions of posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: These findings suggest that moderate levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms can be a predictor of growth in some dimensions.