Post-traumatic growth in oncological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is defined as "positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances". Diagnosis of cancer leads to many psychological challenges. The recent pandemic forced oncological patients to face other multiple stressors. Resilience is a target of interest for PTG. The aim of this study is to analyze relationships between cancer trauma, COVID-19 pandemic stress, PTG and resilience over time.

PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: One hundred forty-six patients (124 females, 22 males) in active oncological treatment were enrolled from September 2020: 45.2% ( n = 66) diagnosed with gynecological cancer, 23.3% ( n = 34) with breast cancer, 15.1% ( n = 22) with lung cancer, 16.5% ( n = 24) with other cancers. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study on oncological patients evaluated at: diagnosis (T0), 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2) by means of the following self-administered tests: Distress Thermometer (DT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).

RESULTS: DT decreased over time (T0 vs. T2, p < .001). HADS decreased from T0 to T2 ( p < .001). The PTG subscales regarding new possibilities and appreciating life improved comparing T0 vs. T2 ( p = .029; p = .013), as well as the total index of PTG ( p = .027). The IES avoidance subscale score decreased over time (T0 vs. T1, p = .035).

CONCLUSIONS: For some patients, the cancer experience is characterized not only by psychological distress but also by the presence and growth of positive aspects, such as the tendency to positively reconsider the value and importance of life, health and social relationships.