Stress and posttraumatic growth among survivors of breast cancer: A test of curvilinear effects

The purpose of the current study was to test the curvilinear associations between experiences of stress and posttraumatic growth among female breast cancer survivors. Participants (n = 193; 86% Caucasian; 80% diagnosed with Stage I or II cancer) completed self-report questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and medical information, perceived general stress, cancer-specific stress, and posttraumatic growth. Two hierarchical regression models tested the associations between general and cancer-specific stress and posttraumatic growth. After controlling for the effects of age, education, and time since diagnosis, there was a significant curvilinear effect of general stress on posttraumatic growth. Moderate levels of general stress were associated with the greatest posttraumatic growth. Cancer-specific stress was not associated with posttraumatic growth. These findings suggest that stress can be adaptive in the aftermath of cancer treatments and different manifestations of stress may require individualized intervention. Future research studies are needed to better understand and contextualize these findings among other cancer populations.