Role of family communication and satisfaction on post-traumatic growth in women with cancer

Background- Recent studies have shown that traumatic events can also lead to positive changes termed post-traumatic growth (PTG). Cancer is one of the most traumatic illnesses and has a higher incidence rate in women who face numerous challenges in all spheres. Family plays an important role in cancer treatment. The patient's family can have a positive impact on the patient's emotional adaptation to cancer, or they can impede it by reinforcing the denial of the cancer diagnosis. Exploring the role of family dynamics in post-traumatic growth becomes essential.
Aims and Objectives- This study focuses on family communication and satisfaction in PTG among women with cancer.
Methods and materials- The study was cross-sectional in nature. A sample of 50 women with cancer were selected from a government hospital in Odisha using purposive sampling. Then they were assessed using the FACES-IV Scale, and PTGI-X scale. Correlation and regression analysis were used to interpret the results.
Results- Results indicated a significant positive relationship between family communication and PTG (r=.773, P<0.01), as well as family satisfaction and PTG (r=.811, P<0.01). Further, results indicate a substantial relationship between the two predictor variables and PTG (R square= .722, P<0.01); family satisfaction is a better predictor of PTG (β=.528).
Conclusion- The study findings indicate that family communication and satisfaction are positive predictors of PTG, with family satisfaction being a better predictor of PTG.