Posttraumatic growth in colorectal cancer survivors: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective The diagnosis of cancer is an adverse event; nevertheless, it can also exert positive changes on survivors, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG). This review aims to integrate researches on PTG in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, including manifestations and prevalence of PTG, factors associated with PTG and interventions on PTG. Methods A systematic search was implemented on six databases to identify studies on PTG in CRC survivors published in English or Chinese from October 1995 to May 2022. We also performed a manual search for additional studies from the article reference lists. Results Thirty‐one studies were included. The results were integrated based on the PTG theoretical framework and PTG affective–cognitive processing model. PTG manifests in CRC survivor–caregiver dyads in five domains, including personal growth, appreciation of life, relating to others, new possibilities and spiritual change. Factors correlated with PTG can be integrated into levels of personality, event cognitions, appraisal mechanisms, emotional states, coping and social environmental context. Elements of interventions can be integrated according to the affective–cognitive processing PTG model. Existing interventions are effective in promoting PTG in CRC survivors. Conclusion We provide a systematic perspective on studies targeting PTG in CRC survivors. PTG manifested in survivor–caregiver dyads. Factors associated with PTG in CRC survivors are significant, and the interventions are effective. An intervention programme based on the affective–cognitive processing model and focused on CRC survivor–caregiver dyads would be significant for the dyads facing cancer.

Feasibility and preliminary effect of a couple‐based posttraumatic growth intervention for colorectal cancer couples: A randomized controlled pilot study

“…The couple‐based PTG programme for CRC patient–spousal caregiver dyads is an intervention proposed to enhance CRC couples' PTG levels and facilitate better health‐related outcomes. The intervention plan was formulated based on the results of the previous studies (Wang et al, 2023) and PTG affective‐cognitive processing model (Joseph et al, 2012). Detailed information has been shown in Figure 1.…”

“…The appraisal mechanisms have effects on the thought of a person and thus integrate it into his life narratives, which would, in turn, stimulate individual's psychological well-being (e.g., PTG). The whole process forms a feedback mechanism, implying that alterations in the changeable phases (event cognitions, emotional states, coping, social and environmental context and appraisal mechanisms) from a professional perspective could facilitate positive outcomes (e.g., PTG) for couples coping with CRC (Joseph et al, 2012;Wang et al, 2023). Thus, we have developed an intervention programme for the couples coping with CRC based on the PTG affective-cognitive processing model.…”

The effect of a couple‐based posttraumatic growth intervention in supporting couples coping with colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled study

“…7 CRC negatively affects both patients and SCs, which lead to decreased QOL and adaptation abilities in the dyads. [8][9][10][11] Studies also indicated that PTG occurs in CRC couples during the cancer trajectory, 12,13 which benefits them in adapting and coping with the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to promote CRC couples to discover positive changes in the course of the disease.…”

“…Therefore, it is necessary to promote CRC couples to discover positive changes in the course of the disease. 13 To better understating the current research state of CRCrelated PTG, Wang et al, 13 conducted a systematic review on the topic. The review integrated CRC-related PTG manifestations, factors, and the interventions.…”

“…19 Additionally, the intervention carried out through psychoeducation and skills training methods to motivate participants to transform original thinking, reconsider the traumatic information, and to modify their behaviors, thus to improve their adaptations. [19][20][21] In order to test the feasibility of the program, a pilot study had been conducted. 19 The pilot study confirmed that the program is feasible in CRC couples.…”