Psychological empowerment in breast cancer survivors: Posttraumatic growth and related factors

Posttraumatic growth is negatively associated with age and the presence of a psychiatric disorder, and positively associated with employment and social support. Additionally, relatives' posttraumatic growth and patients' age predict posttraumatic growth in patients. Stigmatising the perception of "impossibility of recovery" is associated with positive psychological change, possibly reflecting a more traumatic perception of the cancer diagnosis, a reduction in denial, and increased acceptance of the illness. This acceptance of mortality may lead to deeper personal transformation for a more meaningful life and improved interpersonal relationships.