The Relationship Between Resilience and Mindfulness with Post-Traumatic Growth: The Mediating Role of Coping Styles in Women with Cancer

Abstract

Objective: Cancer, as a major health challenge globally, affects millions of lives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between resilience and mindfulness with post-traumatic growth in women with cancer, considering the mediating role of coping styles.

Methods and Materials: The research method was descriptive correlational modeling (structural equation modeling). Participants in this study were women with breast cancer visiting all treatment centers (hospitals, and private and public clinics) in Tehran, among whom 206 were selected conveniently. Data were collected using the Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, structural equation modeling, and SPSS 22 and AMOS 22 software.

Findings: Statistical analyses have shown that coping styles significantly mediate the relationship between resilience and mindfulness with post-traumatic growth. Specifically, problem-focused coping styles were positively associated with post-traumatic growth, while emotion-focused coping styles showed a negative relationship (p < .001).

Conclusion: These findings can contribute to the design of intervention programs that assist cancer patients in enhancing resilience and mindfulness, thereby aiding them in experiencing post-traumatic growth. Future studies might explore the role of other mediating factors such as social support and spirituality to complete the overall picture.