The Influence of Spiritual Well-Being, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support on Post-Traumatic Growth among Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of spiritual well-being, self-esteem, and perceived social support on post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors in Korea. Methods: Data were collected from March 2 to October 31, 2016 using self-reporting questionnaires from 126 breast cancer survivors who had visited out-patient clinics for follow-up in B city. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: Post-traumatic growth was significantly correlated with spiritual well-being (r=.52, p<.001), self-esteem (r=.54, p<.001), and perceived social support (r=.47, p<.001). In a stepwise multiple regression, spiritual well-being (β=.26, p<.001), self-esteem (β=.23, p<.001), perceived social support (β=.21, p<.001), and presence of spouse (β=.20, p<.001) were associated with posttraumatic growth. These factors attributed to 37.0% of the total variance in post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors. Conclusion: Considering the results of this study, it is necessary to develop and implement effective nursing strategies that can improve spiritual well-being, and to develop a holistic nursing intervention that takes into account self-esteem, perceived social support, and spousal help, when applicable, in order to promote post-traumatic growth in breast cancer survivors in Korea.