Posttraumatic Growth and Social Support in Turkish Patients with Cancer

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the experience of positive change that occurs as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life crises. The need to understand PTG in relation to actual changes in an individual's life has recently been raised. Little is known about the role of social support in the experience of positive outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of perceived social support in enhancing PTG in cancer patients. This study involved 105 cancer patients. The data were collected using a questionnaire that determined the socio-demographic features, posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) and perceived social support. Participants reported relatively high levels of PTG and social support. Total perceived social support, support from family, and friends were significantly positive associated with the development of PTG among cancer patients. Accordingly, the social surroundings of the patient should be informed about the importance of social support and how it helps the patient; they should be made aware of necessity of social support.