The role of physical post traumatic growth in predicting adjustment in prostate cancer

Abstract

This study explored how growth following a physical trauma predicts adjustment (physical post traumatic growth; P-PTG). This study assessed whether mindfulness moderates the relationship between post traumatic growth and adjustment and whether the relationship between resilience and adjustment is mediated by growth. Structural Equation Modelling was used to evaluate the role of post traumatic growth (PTG) in adjustment. Men 1-10years post prostate cancer treatment were recruited (n = 241). Measures: Post Traumatic Growth Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Patient Oriented Prostate Utility Scale, and Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory. P-PTG predicted lower distress and improved quality of life (QoL). The relationship between resilience and adjustment was fully mediated by P-PTG and PTG. Furthermore, mindfulness was found to moderate the relationship between P-PTG, PTG and QoL. This structural equation model exhibits a good fit: χ2 (352) = 567.40, p<.001, Q=.160, CFI= .93, RMSEA= .050 (.042-.058) AIC= 787.40. This study supports P-PTG and its value in predicting adjustment and provides insight into the relationships between resilience, mindfulness, PTG and adjustment.