Work

Cognitive Mechanisms Explaining the Relationship Between Post-Traumatic Stress and Post-Traumatic Growth in Survivors of Breast Cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ability to derive growth from a traumatic event, such as a cancer diagnosis, can facilitate effective adaptation to the challenges associated with cancer survivorship. OBJECTIVE: In two studies, we investigated the possible cognitive mechanisms explaining the relationship between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth in female survivors of breast cancer. Specifically, Study 1 examined the role of interpretation bias, and Study 2 examined the role of cognitive restructuring of trauma. METHODS: In Study 1, 113 participants completed questionnaires assessing stress- and anxiety-related symptomatology, post-traumatic stress and growth, perceived cognitive functioning, and positive interpretation bias. In Study 2, 117 participants completed questionnaires assessing stress and anxiety-related symptoms, rumination, perceived cognitive functioning, cognitive restructuring of trauma, and post-traumatic stress and growth. RESULTS: In both studies, post-traumatic stress was negatively related to post-traumatic growth. In Study 1, positive interpretation bias explained a significant amount of variance in the relationship between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, with perceived cognitive functioning moderating the relationship between interpretation bias and post-traumatic growth. In Study 2, cognitive restructuring explained a significant amount of variance in the relationship between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth, with deliberate rumination moderating the effects of cognitive restructuring on post-traumatic growth. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive mechanisms are key to understanding the relationship between post-traumatic stress and growth and should be targeted in interventions to improve cognitive flexibility and resilience among breast cancer survivors.

Source: Current Oncology

DOI: 10.3390/curroncol32120666

Authors: Vida Mirabolfathi, Fatemeh Ayoubi, Amirreza Nouri, Alireza Moradi, Laura Jobson, Nazanin Derakshan

Institutions: Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Monash University, National Centre for Integrative Oncology, University of Reading

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654