The Relationship Between Colorectal Cancer Survivors' Positive Psychology, Symptom Characteristics, and Prior Trauma During Acute Cancer Survivorship.

Abstract

To examine colorectal cancer survivors' positive psychology and symptom characteristics, and to assess for potential impact of prior trauma on these relationships during acute cancer survivorship. A cross-sectional study of 117 colorectal cancer survivors was conducted at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, and the Carver Benefit Finding Scale and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory assessed positive psychology. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. 49 symptoms were reported and varied based on prior trauma. Significance was found between positive psychology and symptom frequency (p < 0.001); symptoms reported almost daily and daily were inversely related to positive psychology. Nurses should prioritize symptoms; less frequent symptoms improve positive psychology. Early identification of positive changes may promote survivors' self-awareness and management skills to mitigate adverse symptoms.