Psychological Empowerment Profiles in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT Objective This study identified psychological empowerment profiles of women with breast cancer to provide a clinical care framework. Methods This multicenter cross‐sectional qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological approach with semi‐structured in‐depth interviews. Participants were selected from five tertiary hospitals in northeast (Harbin and Shenyang), east (Nanjing), and northwest (Xi'an) China. Each participant underwent a face‐to‐face interview lasting 30−60 min. Data were collected between September and December 2024 and thematically analyzed. Forty‐six women (33–72 years old) with breast cancer were interviewed; the rehabilitation timeframe spanned three days after surgery to 19 years after initial diagnosis. Results The psychological empowerment profile comprised 25 subthemes and six themes. Themes 1 (Informed and Stress) and 2 (Ambivalence and Distress) reflect the negative profile; Theme 3 (Challenge and Confrontation) marks the turning point between negative and positive coping modes; Themes 4 (Adjustment and Buffer), 5 (Rationality and Acceptance), and 6 (Insight and Growth) reflect positive profiles. Participants receiving treatment ( n = 36) showed higher counts in Themes 1, 3, and 4. Those from Harbin and Shenyang had higher counts across themes than those from Nanjing and Xi'an. Survivors ( n = 10) dominated Theme 6, with Nanjing survivors exhibiting greater counts across themes than their Xi'an counterparts. Conclusions Women with breast cancer showed a negative–positive psychological empowerment trajectory during rehabilitation. Geographic differences revealed the impact of healthcare infrastructure and culture, with northeastern cities (Harbin/Shenyang) engaging more themes (5/6) than eastern and northwestern cities (Nanjing/Xi'an), indicating the need for regional support programs.