Analysis of post-traumatic growth status and its influencing factors in patients with facial palsy

BACKGROUND: Facial nerve paralysis in patients occurs in varying degrees of self-image disorders, both physically and mentally, resulting in low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even suicide; however, there were few researches on psychological problems in facial palsy patients at home and abroad. This study’s objective was to investigate post-traumatic growth (PTG) in facial nerve palsy patients and analyze its influencing factors. METHODS: Using the convenience sampling method, a total of 47 patients with facial nerve paralysis were enrolled in the current study between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2017. Post-traumatic growth rating scale was utilized to investigate the post-traumatic growth of these patients, and factors influencing patients’ post-traumatic growth were analyzed through collecting the general sociological information, disease-related information, simple coping style questionnaire, and social support rating scale. RESULTS: The total score of post-traumatic growth in patients with facial nerve paralysis was mean (M) = 63.1, standard deviation (SD) = 19.14. The ranking of five dimensional scores from high to low was as follows: new possibilities, personal strength enhancement, appreciation of life, mental changes, and improvement of relationships with others. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that six variables, namely, the personality type, duration with facial nerve paralysis, and four coping styles, consisting of three types of positive coping styles and one negative coping style, could explain 71.6% of the total post-traumatic growth score. CONCLUSIONS: Post-traumatic growth in facial nerve palsy patients is moderate. The personality type of patients, the disease duration, and the coping style are the primary influencing factors. Therefore, clinical staffs should perform personalized nursing protocol and psychological intervention for facial nerve palsy patients to reduce their negative mood, improve their compliance with treatment, and help them recover more rapidly.