Modeling the Structural Relationships of Post-Traumatic Growth Based on Perceived Social Support and Emotion Regulation with the Mediating Role of Self-Care Behaviors in Women with Breast Cancer
Keywords:
post-traumatic growth, perceived social support, emotion regulation, self-care behaviorsAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to model the structural relationships between perceived social support and emotion regulation with post-traumatic growth (PTG), emphasizing the mediating role of self-care behaviors in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Methods and Materials: The research employed a descriptive–correlational design using structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all women with breast cancer in Tehran, Iran. A total of 310 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection tools included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), the Affect Control Questionnaire (Williams & Chambless, 1997), and the Self-Efficacy for Self-Care Scale (Lorig, 1996). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and AMOS software. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including direct and indirect effect testing and fit indices, were applied to evaluate the proposed model.
Findings: The results indicated that perceived social support (β = 0.20, t = 3.35, p < 0.001) and emotion regulation (β = 0.26, t = 3.78, p < 0.001) had significant direct effects on PTG. Additionally, both variables significantly predicted self-care behaviors (β = 0.36, t = 4.20, and β = 0.39, t = 4.55, respectively). Self-care behaviors also had a strong direct effect on PTG (β = 0.47, t = 5.35, p < 0.001) and mediated the indirect relationships between social support, emotion regulation, and PTG (β = 0.17–0.18, p < 0.001). The overall model demonstrated an excellent fit (χ²/df = 2.10; RMSEA = 0.05; CFI = 0.94; GFI = 0.96).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that fostering social support, improving emotion regulation, and enhancing self-care behaviors can collectively promote post-traumatic growth among women with breast cancer.
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References
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