“I Can Beat this Cancer”: Role of Grit, Social Support and Post-traumatic Growth in the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients in Pakistan

Abstract

Being diagnosed with cancer is the most challenging time for the patient as well as for the family. Past research evidence has shown that cancer patients experience a poor quality of life. Therefore, the present study assessed whether grit, social support and post-traumatic growth had a protective effect on the quality of life of cancer patients in Pakistan. A correlational research design was used for the study. 150 Participants from various hospitals and labs have been approached to collect data, including 70 men and 80 women with an age range of 21-75 who were selected through purposive sampling while the sample size was finalized through G Power analysis with 95 % confidence intervals. The Grit Scale, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory, Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life Scale was used for data collection. Data analysis for the study was executed through Pearson Correlation Analysis, Stepwise Regression and mediation analysis via the process. Results were indicative of a significant positive predictive association between grit, social support, socioeconomic status as well as time since diagnosis on the overall quality of life. The results of the mediation analysis indicated that social support mediated the relationship between Grit and Quality of life. The study recommends the need to enhance psychosocial care measures and interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life outcomes for cancer patients.