Pathways to post-traumatic growth in Korean female cancer patients: the mediation effects of coping strategies and resilience

Background: Cancer is a life-threatening disease in Korean women. Female cancer patients in Korea have reported poor physical functioning and psychological distress after diagnosis. However, some patients experience post-traumatic growth (PTG), which includes positive feelings and changes. Objective: The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between PTG and its associated factors in Korean female cancer patients to understand how female cancer patients achieve PTG while experiencing cancer diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to improve the quality of life of many Korean female patients with cancer. Methods: This study investigated the structural model of the paths from the disruption of core beliefs (CBD), coping strategies, and resilience to PTG in a sample of female cancer patients. In total, 164 middle-aged women diagnosed with cancer were included in the final sample. Results: First, it was determined that the proposed structural model was substantial and had high fit indices. Second, problem-solving was positively associated by the CBD routes. Third, it was also favorably expected that problem-solving would lead to resilience and resilience would lead to PTG. These findings are important for developing future interventions for Korean female cancer patients and can be considered as an important variable to improve their PTG.