Posttraumatic Growth Outcomes and Their Correlates Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify and examine posttraumatic growth (PTG) experiences, and their correlates, among young adult survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS: 602 long-term childhood cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 39 participated. Their demographic (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, relationship status, employment, and income), cancer-related (diagnosis, current health problem, age at diagnosis, and years since diagnosis), and psychosocial (social support and optimism) PTG correlates were examined using descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses. RESULTS: PTG was significantly greater for females and nonwhite survivors, and for those diagnosed at older ages. Survivors diagnosed with solid/soft tissue tumors reported lower PTG. Optimism and social support were positively associated with PTG. CONCLUSION: Study findings highlight potential intervention opportunities for increasing PTG by facilitating discussion around growth experiences within an optimistic framework among a supportive network of family members and peers.