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Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

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01-12-2007

Breast Cancer as Trauma: Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth

Authors: Matthew J. Cordova, Janine Giese-Davis, Mitch Golant, Carol Kronenwetter, Vickie Chang, David Spiegel

Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Issue 4/2007

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been associated with both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG). This cross-sectional study sought to assess the frequency, common predictors, and interrelationships of PTSD symptoms and PTG in breast cancer survivors (n = 65). In this sample, symptoms of PTSD and reports of PTG were common and were not significantly related to one another. Greater social constraints on talking about breast cancer and perception of cancer as a traumatic stressor were associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. Younger age and perception of cancer as a traumatic stressor were associated with greater PTG. Findings suggest the central role of subjective appraisal in adjustment to cancer. Psychosocial interventions should be sensitive to the potential for PTG, both in treatment design and in assessment of outcomes.

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Title: Breast Cancer as Trauma: Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Matthew J. Cordova
Janine Giese-Davis
Mitch Golant
Carol Kronenwetter
Vickie Chang
David Spiegel
Publication date: 01-12-2007
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings / Issue 4/2007
Print ISSN: 1068-9583
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-007-9083-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Breast Cancer as Trauma: Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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