Posttraumatic growth and health‐related quality of life in cancer survivors: Does fatigue moderate the link?

Abstract

Interest in post‐traumatic growth (PTG) as a predictor of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is currently gaining attention. However, current evidence is still inconclusive on the nature of this relationship. The first objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between PTG and global HRQoL among cancer survivors. We further investigated the moderating role of fatigue in the association between PTG and global HRQoL. In the FiX study (Fatigue in Germany ‐ Examination of prevalence, severity, and state of screening and treatment) cancer‐related fatigue (EORTC QLQ‐FA12), PTG inventory and global HRQoL (EORTC QLQ‐C30) were assessed four years after cancer diagnosis in 1316 cancer‐free survivors (mean age = 67.28, SD = 11.05, 51.4% female). Multiple linear regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed. The results showed that PTG had a convex quadratic relationship with global HRQoL (p < 0.001). Contrary to our hypothesis, fatigue did not moderate the relationship between PTG (linear and quadratic terms) and global HRQoL, neither when considering the overall PTG score nor for any PTG subdimension. In conclusion, PTG has a convex quadratic relationship with long‐term global HRQoL that was not modified by persisting fatigue. Future statistical models investigating PTG and global HRQoL should take this non‐linear relationship into account. Aiming to increase PTG might contribute to, but is likely not sufficient for high levels of global HRQoL in cancer survivors in the long run.

Positive psychological capital, post-traumatic growth, social support, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies have indicated that increasing the level of post-traumatic growth in patients can improve their psychological well-being, thereby aiding them in their fight against the disease and promoting their overall physical and mental health. 13 Social support is pivotal in enabling individuals to face their illness positively, effectively reducing psychological distress, and enhancing the QOL. 14 Notably, strong social support has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the anxiety experienced by gynecological oncology patients, aiding their recovery from disease, and improving their QOL.…”

The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and posttraumatic growth: a meta-analysis

“…In the field of cancer research, studies have shown that PTG can promote the proliferation of white blood cells and lymphocytes and have a positive impact on the body’s immune function ( McGregor et al, 2004 ; Dunigan et al, 2007 ). In addition, PTG can alleviate patients’ psychological distress, enhance well-being, and improve the quality of life in a disease-bearing state ( Husson et al, 2017 ; Onyedibe et al, 2023 ). Given its potential benefits, a number of psychosocial interventions have emerged to promote PTG.…”