Benefit-finding profiles and comparison of caregiving ability among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer: A latent profile analysis

Objective

This study aimed to explore the benefit finding (BF) profiles among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer, identify demographic and disease characteristics, and analyze differences in caregiving ability between profiles.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized convenience sampling to select 272 informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer from a tertiary care hospital in Guangzhou, China. The research instruments used included the Demographic and Disease Characteristics Questionnaire, the revised version of the BF Scale, and the Chinese version of the Family Caregiver Task Inventory. Data analysis was performed using latent profile analysis, chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

(1) BF can be divided into three profiles: "high benefit-family and personal growth" (Profile 1, 7.7%), "moderate benefit-unclear perception" (Profile 2, 44.9%), and "low benefit-coping ability deficient" (Profile 3, 47.4%). (2) Having a cocaregiver and a disease duration of 6-12 months were more likely to belong to Profile 1; caregivers of patients aged 40-60 years tended to belong to Profile 2; caregivers of older patients with disease duration > 12 months and clinical stage II or III were more likely to belong to Profile 3. (3) There were significant differences in the total score of caregiving ability and the scores of each dimension among the different BF profiles (P < 0.001), and the caregiving abilities of Profile 1 and Profile 2 were higher than those of Profile 3.

Conclusions

There was heterogeneity in BF among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer. Healthcare professionals can identify the key profiles of lung-cancer caregivers based on characteristics such as age, clinical stage, disease duration, and cocaregiver status and enhance their caregiving ability through targeted nursing guidance.

The impact of social support on benefit finding among patients with advanced lung cancer and their caregivers: based on actor-partner interdependence mediation model

PURPOSE

Advanced lung cancer and its treatment serve as a sudden stressful event that profoundly impacts the psychological experience of both the patients and their primary caregiver. This study used dyadic analyses to explore the dyadic effects of social support on benefit finding and whether hope level mediates the patient-caregiver dyads in advanced lung cancer.

METHODS

Two hundred ninety-five pairs of patients with advanced lung cancer and primary caregivers completed the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), the Herth Hope Index (HHI), and the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS). Dyadic analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model.

RESULTS

The results indicated that for both patients (B = 0.259, 95% CI = 0.135-0.423, P < 0.001) and their primary caregivers (B = 0.596, 95% CI = 0.403-0.838, P < 0.001), hope level mediated the actor effect of social support on benefit finding; social support was positively associated with hope level and further enhanced benefit finding. Regarding partner effects (B = 0.242, 95% CI = 0.119-0.404, P < 0.001), primary caregivers' social support significantly indirectly affected patients' benefit finding through patients' hope level.

CONCLUSION

There is an interaction between social support, hope level, and benefit finding in patients with advanced lung cancer and their primary caregivers. Healthcare professionals ought to be vigilant in recognizing patients and caregivers who are vulnerable, have limited social support, and possess diminished hope levels. At the same time, nurses should provide timely psychological support and counseling to patients and their caregivers, encourage them to actively participate in social activities, and inspire their confidence and hope in life, thus improving their benefit findings.

Relationship between benefit finding and volunteer motivation among nursing students: The mediating role of perceived social support

BACKGROUND

Volunteer motivation is essential to advancing community service, education, and career development of nursing students. However, few studies have been conducted on nursing students' volunteer motivation.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between social support benefit finding and volunteer motivation among nursing students and the role of social support in these relationships.

METHOD

This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 2166 nursing students were recruited from eighteen medical schools in Henan Province, China. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Social Support Scale, the Benefit Finding Scale, and the Volunteer Motivation Scale online between March and May 2022. Correlation and mediation analyses were used to explore the mediating role of social support in the relationships among social support, benefit finding, and volunteer motivation.

RESULTS

A total of 2166 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. Benefit finding positively affected volunteer motivation (β = 0.422, p < 0.01), and perceived social support positively affected volunteer motivation (β = 0.407, p < 0.01). Perceived social support played a mediating role between benefit finding and volunteer motivation (β = 0.112, 95 % confidence interval 0.076, 0.148).

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides evidence on the mechanisms of action between benefit finding and volunteer motivation among nursing students. Professionals in schools and voluntary organizations should prioritize guiding nursing students to explore the motivations behind volunteering while also fostering a supportive environment for student volunteers in nursing.

Supportive care needs and associated factors among caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study

To assess the level of supportive care needs of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients and explore the related key influencing factors. Totaling 283 caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer were investigated in this study. Firstly, caregivers were invited to complete a set of questionnaires, including the general information questionnaire, the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and the Caregivers of cancer patients, the Caregiver Preparedness Scale, the Benefit Finding Scale, and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were performed to investigate the associated factors of supportive care needs. The caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer have a moderate level of needs, scored at 2.71 ± 0.42. Caregiver preparedness, benefit finding, and financial toxicity were significantly negatively associated with the supportive care needs of caregivers (r =  - 0.555, P < 0.001; r =  - 0.534, P < 0.001; and r =  - 0.615, P < 0.001, respectively). Our multivariate regression analysis identified some factors that directly affected the supportive care needs of caregivers, including the duration of illness, tumor stage, the age and educational level of caregivers, caregiver preparedness, benefit finding, and financial toxicity (R2 = 0.574, F = 23.337, P < 0.001). Supportive care needs are common among caregivers of colorectal cancer patients. Higher caregiver preparedness, benefit finding, and financial toxicity tend to ease these needs. Healthcare workers should have an in-depth understanding of the needs of caregivers of colorectal cancer patients and actively provide targeted financial/informational/technical/emotional support to promote nursing skills and reduce caregivers' burdens.

Benefit finding in chronic kidney disease patients receiving hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The psychological problems of hemodialysis (HD) patients are prominent, and benefit finding (BF) have been proven beneficial to physical and mental health, fewer researchers explored BF in HD patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of BF in patients with chronic kidney disease and to analyze the factors influencing it in order to provide a reference for subsequent interventions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was done on 246 HD patients by convenience sampling in the hemodialysis center of a 3 A hospital in Shanghai from March to September 2019. The measures include General Information Questionnaire, Benefit Finding Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and Simplified Coping Style scale.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range, IQR) score of BF was 66 (IQR = 19) and it was lower compared with other chronic diseases. Significant differences in BF scores were found between different age groups, HD duration categories, and understanding degrees of HD. Taking BF as the dependent variable, the results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, duration of HD, family support, other support, positive coping, and self-efficacy entered the regression equation to explain 43.8% of the total variation. Social support played an indirect effect in the relationship between positive coping and BF, accounting for 54.1% of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

The BF of HD patients is worrisome and affected by many factors. Medical staff could pay attention to the positive psychology of HD patients, and construct individualized interventions according to the influencing factors to improve their BF level and achieve physical and mental health.

Association between self-disclosure and benefit finding of Chinese cancer patients caregivers: the mediation effect of coping styles

PURPOSE

To examine the relationship between self-disclosure, coping styles, and benefit finding (BF) among caregivers of cancer patients. The study also aimed to identify the factors influencing BF and the impact of coping styles on the relationship between self-disclosure and BF.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to select 300 caregivers of cancer patients aged greater than 18 years from October 2022 to April 2023 in Chengdu, China. The demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS), the Distress Disclosure Index Scale (DDI), and the Simple Coping Style Scale (SCSQ) for caregivers were included in this study. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression models were used. The effect of mediation was tested by the PROCESS macro (Model 4) for SPSS 26.0 by Hayes using 5000 bootstrap samples.

RESULTS

There were 292 valid questionnaires (effective response rate 97.33%). The total scores of BF, self-disclosure, negative coping style, and positive coping style of caregivers were 67.77 ± 14.78, 38.23 ± 8.59, 19.68 ± 5.98, and 9.88 ± 4.18, respectively; Pearson's correlation analysis showed that BF was positively correlated with self-disclosure, positive coping, and negatively correlated with negative coping; multiple linear regression analysis showed that self-disclosure, positive coping, and negative coping were influential factors of BF. The results revealed that the effect of self-disclosure on BF was partly mediated by coping styles. It also confirmed that the mediation effect accounted for 54.03% of the total effect.

CONCLUSION

The BF of caregivers is at a moderate level. Self-disclosure may influence BF partly because of coping styles.

Posttraumatic growth and illness perception in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a challenging period of life. We aimed to (1) describe positive changes (posttraumatic growth; PTG) and illness perception, and (2) determine associations between PTG and illness perception, sociodemographic, and cancer-related characteristics in Swiss AYA cancer survivors.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based survey among AYA cancer survivors diagnosed 1990-2005 at age 16-25 years, who had survived ≥ 5 years. We used the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions.

RESULTS

Among 389 contacted survivors, 160 responded (61.3% male; mean age = 34 years, SD = 5.8). The mean PTG sum score was 54.63 (SD = 20.24; range: 8-101). Survivors reported high PTG especially in the domains Appreciation of life (mean = 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 3.05-3.40), Personal strength (2.94; 2.77-3.12), and Relating to others (2.57; 2.40-2.74). Neither sociodemographic nor cancer-related characteristics were associated with PTG. Survivors who perceived follow-up care as helpful (p < 0.001) and those with high concerns about the consequences of the illness (p < 0.001) reported higher PTG.

CONCLUSIONS

Finding ways to promote PTG and to identify and address maladaptive illness perceptions may help survivors transform their experience into something meaningful for their future life.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms and benefit finding: a longitudinal study among Italian health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

PURPOSE

Research has highlighted that the exposure of healthcare professionals to the COVID-19 pandemic for over two years can lead to the development and persistence of symptoms characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with serious consequences on both the individual well-being and the quality of care provided. The present study was aimed at investigating the role of benefit finding in moderating post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) over time.

METHODS

The longitudinal study, conducted between April and October 2020, involved 226 Italian health workers (44.7% nurses and midwives, 35% doctors, 20.3% technical and rehabilitation professionals), who filled out an online survey at the beginning of the study (T1), after three months (T2), and after six months (T3). Participants (77.4% women; mean age = 41.93, SD = 12.06) completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Benefit Finding, a 17-item questionnaire measuring the perceived level of positive consequences derived from stressful experiences. A hierarchical regression analysis highlighted the moderating effect of benefit finding (T2) on the association between PTSS values at T1 and T3.

RESULTS

A buffering effect was observed, with higher benefit finding levels reducing the magnitude of the bivariate association between PTSS assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest the potential mental health related benefits of interventions allowing health professionals to identify positive aspects in the experience of working under prolonged emergency circumstances, such as the pandemic ones.

Finding Benefit and Feeling Strain in Parenting a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Female caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often report higher levels of psychological distress related to increased levels of caregiver strain, as well as frequency and severity of child problem behaviors (CPB). However, despite reported distress, caregivers have also reported benefits. A sample of n = 259 female caregivers of children with ASD completed online surveys assessing CPB, caregiver strain, psychological distress, and benefit finding. Results suggest that objective caregiver strain is a significant mediator between CPB and caregiver distress. Benefit finding, however, was not found to be a significant moderator. These findings inform theoretical applications and provide implications for future research in the development of interventions to enhance functioning in female caregivers.

Challenging Behavior and Parental Depression: The Effects of Everyday Stressors and Benefit Finding for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Children with autism spectrum disorder present with challenging behaviors that can impact caregivers by increasing parental perceived stress and risk for depression. However, positive coping strategies have also been identified as protective factors for parents of children with ASD. The present study examined parental perceived daily stressors and positive coping strategies (i.e., benefit finding) as mediators to depression for parents of children with ASD. A latent profile analysis identified three classes of behavior severity for children with ASD. Across all classes, higher levels of perceived daily stressors predicted increased parental depression, while benefit finding predicted lower parental depression. Results support interventions that increase positive coping strategies to decrease levels of depression in parents of children with ASD.

The influence of benefit finding on academic engagement among Chinese college students: A moderating effect model

Objective

To explore how college students' academic engagement has changed in the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (hereinafter referred to as "in the outbreak"), this research will encompass more than just looking into the relationship among anxiety, benefit finding (BF) and academic engagement, but also involve evaluating how anxiety moderates the positive impact of BF on academic engagement.

Method

Among college students, this study comprised an online-based cross-sectional survey in cities where COVID-19 broke out. Convenience sampling method was used. The survey took place between November 10 and November 19, 2021, during which all the cities surveyed were in the outbreak. With language revision, scales include Student Version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-S), recompiled Benefit Finding Scale (BFS) and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), as methods for gauging the academic engagement, BF and anxiety experienced by college students, respectively.

Results

Academic engagement in the outbreak is higher than that before the outbreak stage of COVID-19 (hereinafter referred to as "before the outbreak") (Z = -18.201, P < 0.001). Between anxiety and BF, a negative correlation can be observed in the outbreak (P = 0.001), whereas BF and anxiety have an adverse correlation with academic engagement (P < 0.001). The positive effect of BF on academic engagement will be debilitated by anxiety. Further analysis shows that college students who are close to medium-and high-risk areas, worried about the infection, unvaccinated and concerned about the epidemic, are more likely to be anxious (P < 0.001). Those with confidence in government's ability to prevent and control the epidemic, as well as increased trust in medical workers, have a higher BF (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

While COVID-19 could still exert adverse effects on psychology of college students, but it can also stimulate college students to perceive the meaning of life. In the outbreak, an increase in academic engagement seems to be a manifestation of growth in adversity. Compared with short-term negative emotional intervention, life meaning and gratitude in education may stimulate their potential ability for a longer time.

Benefit finding, posttraumatic growth and health-related quality of life in long-term cancer survivors: a prospective population-based study

BACKGROUND

We explored the relationship between benefit finding (BF)/posttraumatic growth (PTG) at baseline and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) at baseline and follow-up in long-term cancer survivors (LTCS; ≥5-year post-diagnosis).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HRQOL was assessed in LTCS in 2009-2011 (5- to 16-year post-diagnosis, baseline) and re-assessed in 2018/2019 (14- to 24-year post-diagnosis, follow-up). BF and PTG were measured at baseline; mean scores were dichotomized into 'none-to-low' (<3) and 'moderate-to-high' (> =3). Linear regression models and linear mixed regression models were employed to assess the association of BF/PTG with HRQOL.

RESULTS

Of the 6057 baseline participants, 4373 were alive in 2019, of whom 2704 completed the follow-up questionnaire. Cross-sectionally, LTCS with none-to-low BF reported better HRQOL at baseline and at follow-up than LTCS with higher BF. Longitudinally, no difference was found between none-to-low and moderate-to-high BF on the HRQOL change from baseline to follow-up. HRQOL differences between the PTG groups were not statistically significant cross-sectionally and longitudinally, except those participants with moderate-to-high PTG reported higher role functioning and global health status/QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-sectionally, BF was significantly negatively related to subscales of HRQOL, while PTG was positively correlated to role functioning and global health status/QOL. The results add further evidence that BF and PTG are two different positive psychological concepts.

Benefit finding in men affected by prostate cancer prior to and following radical prostatectomy - a cross-sectional study with a stratified sample

BACKGROUND

Benefit finding (BF) - the occurrence of positive life-changes in the aftermath of traumatic live events - has been repeatedly reported in prostate cancer (PCa) survivors, but it remains unclear in which way BF might vary over time. The current study aimed to investigate the extent of BF and associated factors in different phases of the survivorship continuum.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, men affected by PCa who were either already treated with radical prostatectomy or going to be treated with radical prostatectomy at a large German PCa center were included. These men were stratified into four groups (prior to surgery, up to 12 months after surgery, 2-5 years and ≥ 6-10 years after surgery). BF was assessed using the German version of the 17-item Benefit Finding Scale (BFS). The items are rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. A total mean score ≥ 3 was considered as moderate-to-high BF. Associations with clinical and psychological factors were assessed in men presenting before and in those who participated after surgery. Multiple linear regression was applied to identify intendent determinants of BF.

RESULTS

2,298 men affected by PCa (mean age at survey: 69.5,SD = 8.2; median follow-up: 3 years (25th -75th percentile 0.5-7)) were included. 49.6% of men reported moderate-to-high BF. The mean BF score was 2.91 (SD = 0.92). BF reported by men before surgery did not differ significantly from BF reported by men in the years after surgery (p = 0.56). Higher BF prior to and following radical prostatectomy was associated with higher perceived severity of the disease (pre-surgery: ß = 0.188, p = 0.008; post-surgery: ß = 0.161, p = < 0.0001) and higher cancer-related distress (pre-surgery: ß ? 0.155, p = 0.03; post-surgery: ß = 0.089, p < 0.0001). Post radical prostatectomy BF was also associated with biochemical recurrence during follow-up (ß = 0.089, p = 0.001), and higher quality of life (ß = 0.124, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Many men affected by PCa perceive BF already soon after diagnosis. The subjective perception of threat or severity associated with the diagnosis of PCa is an essential factor for higher levels of BF, probably more important than objective indicators of the severity of the disease. The early onset of BF and the high degree of similarity of BF reported across the different phases of survivorship suggests that BF is, to a large extent, a dispositional personal characteristic and a cognitive strategy of positively coping with cancer.

Perceived a community with shared future for doctor-patient and benefit finding: a moderated mediation model

BACKGROUND

Under the background that the concept of a community with shared future for mankind has been advocated, the doctor-patient relationship has rapidly sublimated into a community with shared future for doctor-patient. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes and relationships of anxiety, perceived a community with shared future for doctor-patient (PCSF), health self-consciousness (HSC) and benefit finding (BF) in the outbreak stage of COVID-19 and in the stable stage of COVID-19.

METHODS

The questionnaire consisted of a self-designed health self-consciousness scale, perceived a community with shared future for doctor-patient scale, revised 7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale and benefit finding scale. Questionnaires were administered in the outbreak stage of COVID-19 and in the stable stage of COVID-19 to address public anxiety, BF, and trust between medical staff and patients.

RESULTS

Risk perception will increase anxiety in public, and the public who trust medical staff and the ability of the government to prevent and control the epidemic will have a higher PCSF. Compared with those in the outbreak stage of COVID-19, PCSF, HSC and BF all decreased in the stable stage of COVID-19. HSC partly plays a mediating role in the process of the influence of PCSF and BF (95% CI = [0.3785, 0.5007], [0.2357, 0.3695], P < .001). The R-value of the model in the outbreak stage of COVID-19 and in the stable stage of COVID-19 were 0.555 and 0.429, and the value of R² was 0.308 and 0.184 respectively (P < .001). In the stable stage of COVID-19, the coefficient of anxiety ✕ PCSF is negative. The B values of anxiety and PCSF are positive, and the moderating effect is negative (P = .038). Anxiety has a negative moderating effect between PCSF and HSC, indicating that anxiety will weaken the positive impact of PCSF on HSC. It means that there exists a substitution relationship between anxiety and PCSF.

CONCLUSIONS

The common goal of medical staff and patients is health, and health is the premise of the meaning of life. Vigorously advocating for PCSF can not only promote a harmonious doctor-patient relationship, but also establish a good HSC and improve the understanding of the meaning of life in the public. Furthermore, if the common concept of a community with a shared future for doctor-patient is integrated into the values of life, it may be more stable and long-term to maintain a good doctor-patient relationship. In addition, we should guard against the influence of high-level anxiety on the path of meaning perception.

Prostate cancer peer navigation: an observational study on navigators' well-being, benefit finding, and program satisfaction

PURPOSE

The study investigated peer and caregiver navigators' motivations for providing support, i.e., benefit finding, their mental and physical health, and program satisfaction.

METHODS

A web-based peer navigation program was conducted for prostate cancer patients and caregivers over a 6-month time period. In a one-arm observational study, peer and caregiver navigators were asked to complete standardized mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer Worry Scale), quality of life (EQ-5D-5L, EQ-VAS), and social support (ENRICHD Social Support Instrument) scales pre- and post-intervention and questionnaires addressing motivations, benefits, and program satisfaction post-intervention.

RESULTS

Both peer and caregiver navigators reported very low anxiety and depressive symptoms across time. Cancer worry increased over time with 25% of participants exceeding the symptom threshold at baseline and 33% at follow-up. Quality of life was very high but slightly decreased over time (90.0% vs. 84.4%; p = .005), indicative of a greater number of navigators reporting pain/discomfort at follow-up. Social support was high (86.9% vs. 85.9%) and remained so. Top five role endorsements were (1) a feeling of belonging, (2) being involved in something good, (3) giving back, (4) feeling better as a person, and (5) improved communication skills. Program satisfaction was very high with support from program staff rated highest.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that peer and caregiver navigators exhibited favorable physical and mental health across time. Furthermore, they experienced several benefits from navigation including a sense of meaning and the wish to give back. Results suggest that support provision within the peer and caregiver navigation program has also salutary effects for navigators.

Association between the patients' symptom burden and their family caregivers' benefit finding in non-small cell lung cancer receiving combined chemotherapy

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between the patients' symptom burden and their family caregivers' benefit finding in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving combined chemotherapy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study on 181 NSCLC patients receiving combined chemotherapy and their family caregivers was conducted at two comprehensive hospitals from December 2021 to August 2022 in China. The patients completed the self-designed questionnaire, The Chinese Version of M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and Lung Cancer Module of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-LC), while caregivers completed the self-designed questionnaire, Benefit Finding Scale (BFS).

RESULTS

The mean symptom burden score of NSCLC patients receiving combined chemotherapy was 71.55 (SD = 22.19), and the median score of fatigue was 6 (IQR, 4, 7). Fatigue was the most severe symptom. The mean benefit finding score of family caregivers was 56.09 (SD = 16.25). Among the dimensions of the benefit finding scale, the personal growth dimension scored the highest. The mean score of personal growth dimension was 18.31 (SD = 5.47). The scores of symptom burden of NSCLC patients and the benefit finding of family caregivers were significantly different in patients' clinical data: stage of tumor, tumor metastasis, duration of illness, self-care ability, leukocyte count (WBC), blood platelet (PLT), hemoglobin content (Hb), Na⁺ concentration, and K⁺ concentration (P < 0.05). The symptom burden of NSCLC patients with combined chemotherapy was adversely correlated with the benefit finding of family caregivers (r =  - 0.609 ~  - 0.151, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The symptom burden of patients is adversely correlated with the benefit finding of family caregivers in NSCLC receiving combined chemotherapy; the lighter the symptom burden of patients, the higher the benefit finding of family caregivers. Therefore, appropriate nursing measures should be taken for fatigue, lack of appetite, and other symptoms. A variety of ways should be taken to promote family caregivers to participate in patient symptom management, so as to achieve the goal of reducing the burden of patients' symptoms and improving the level of family caregivers' benefit finding.

Challenges and positive impact of rare cancer caregiving: A mixed-methods study of caregivers of patients with Erdheim-Chester disease and other histiocytic neoplasms

BACKGROUND

The importance of deriving benefit and meaning has been identified among cancer caregivers, but this has yet to be examined in the context of rare cancers. We sought to characterize unmet needs and experiences of caregivers of patients with Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) and other histiocytic neoplasms (HN) and to identify factors associated with finding benefit and meaning-making in providing care for patients with rare cancers.

METHODS

Caregivers of patients with ECD and other HN completed quantitative surveys. Linear univariable regression modeling examined associations between unmet needs, social and family support, and intolerance of uncertainty with benefit finding and meaning-making. A subset participated in qualitative interviews assessing experiences of rare cancer caregiving that were analyzed with applied thematic analysis (NCT039900428).

FINDINGS

Of caregivers (N = 92, M = 54 years old, 68% female) of patients with ECD (75%) and other HN (25%), 78% reported moderately or severely unmet support needs, most frequently informational (58%) and psychological/emotional (66%) needs. Caregivers with unmet informational, psychological/emotional, and social support needs, difficulty tolerating uncertainty, a longer duration of the patient's illness, lower social support, more family conflict, and higher anxiety and depression symptoms demonstrated less benefit finding and meaning-making (ps <.05). Qualitative interviews (N = 19) underscored information and support needs and the capacity to derive meaning from caregiving.

INTERPRETATION

Rare cancer caregivers report numerous unmet information and support needs, needs that arise from disease rarity itself and which are associated with diminished capacity for deriving benefit and meaning from caregiving. Findings highlight targets for interventions to improve support for caregivers with HN and other rare cancers.

FUNDING

NIH P30 CA008748 (PI: Craig Thompson, MD), NIH T32 CA009461 (H.M.; PI: Jamie Ostroff, PhD), Frame Family Fund (E.L.D.), Applebaum Foundation (E.L.D.).

Effects of a randomized-controlled trial of cognitive behavioral stress management: Psychosocial adaptation and immune status in men with early-stage prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

Targets of intervention in cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM), such as benefit finding (BF) and perceived stress management skills (PSMS), may counteract stress-related changes that impact the immune system. This study tested whether BF, PSMS, and optimism influence the effects of CBSM on immune status in men with prostate cancer.

METHODS

Men with prostate cancer were randomized to receive CBSM or a psychoeducation (PE) control comparison (NCT05486754). Life Orientation Test-Revised assessed baseline optimism. The Benefit Finding Scale and Measure of Current Status measured BF and PSMS after CBSM. T-cells and T-helper cells captured immune status change at baseline and 6-months post-CBSM. MPlus and SPSS (PROCESS) tested condition effects and moderated mediation, controlling for covariates.

RESULTS

256 primarily middle-aged, White Non-Hispanic or Hispanic men enrolled. PSMS mediated CBSM effects on T-cell and T-helper cell percentage, such that T-cell and T-helper cell percentages were reduced in men in CBSM versus PE via PSMS. Optimism moderated this mediation with the mediating effect of PSMS only observed among men with average optimism versus those with low or high optimism.

CONCLUSION

Baseline psychological characteristics, as well as limited specificity of immune measurement, could explain the conditional effects in this sample.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05486754.

Optimism and symptoms of anxiety and depression among Chinese women with breast cancer: the serial mediating effect of perceived social support and benefit finding

OBJECTIVE

This research examines the direct and indirect relationships between optimism, perceived social support (PSS), benefit finding (BF), and anxiety and depressive symptoms among Chinese women with breast cancer (BC).

METHODS

We recruited 512 patients, aged averagely 47.46(SD = 8.51) years from two hospitals located in Hunan province, China. The variables were assessed using the Optimism-Pessimism Scale (OPS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Path analyses were conducted by Amos version 24.0 for Windows to test the hypothesized serial mediation model.

RESULTS

Path analyses suggest a significant negative association between optimism and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The relationship was mediated by BF (β = -0.085, SE = 0.015, 95% CI [-0.126, -0.055]), and by BF together with PSS (β = -0.027, SE = 0.007, 95% CI [-0.047, -0.017]). The difference comparison between the two indirect effects was significant (β = 0.057, SE = 0.015, 95% CI [0.034,0.101]).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that PSS, and BF are important mediators through which optimism may buffer symptoms of anxiety and depression among Chinese BC patients. Clinicians and healthcare practitioners should be aware of the importance of patients' emotional health and endeavor to offer emotional support, facilitate their capacity to improve their quality of life.

Effects of A Benefit-Finding Intervention in Stroke Caregivers in Communities

Objectives: To verify the effectiveness and feasibility of a nine-week benefit-finding intervention on the burden, quality of life, and benefit finding of caregivers, as well as on the quality of life of stroke survivors.Methods: Benefit finding refers to the individual, social, psychological and spiritual benefits perceived by an individual experiencing stress or post-traumatic events. A randomized controlled trial was performed in which 68 stroke survivors and their caregivers were recruited from the Zhengzhou community, China, and randomly split into two groups. The intervention group included those having undergone a nine-week benefit-finding intervention, while the control group included those individuals having undergone a nine-week routine health education. At baseline and one-week post-intervention (after a 9-week intervention), the quality of life of stroke survivors and caregivers and the burden and benefit finding of caregivers were determined.Results: In comparison to the control group, caregiver benefit finding, quality of life, burden, and stroke survivor quality of life were significantly improved (P <.005).Conclusions: The intervention appears to be feasible for stroke patients and caregivers. The intervention is capable of improving the quality of life of caregivers and survivors, increasing the benefit finding of caregivers and reducing the burden of caregivers.Clinical Implications: The benefit-finding intervention is capable of improving the health condition of stroke patients and caregivers.

Factors associated with benefit finding and mental health of patients with cancer: a systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review was performed to identify the association between benefit finding (BF) and anxiety, depression, and distress, as well as to find factors related to BF in adult cancer patients.

METHODS

Five English databases and four Chinese databases were searched to identify eligible articles about BF in adult cancer patients from inception to 4 July 2021. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out by two reviewers independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis was used to summarize the results.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies involving 9601 cancer patients were included in this study. Qualitative analysis showed that BF was negatively related to anxiety, depression, and distress. Factors associated with BF included sociodemographic factors, disease-related factors, and psychological and environmental factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers should pay attention to the summarized factors of BF and construct intervention programs based on the controllable factors to improve BF in adult cancer patients, thus promoting the recovery of patients.

Understanding benefit finding among patients with colorectal cancer: a longitudinal study

PURPOSE

Perceiving positive life changes ("benefit finding") is thought to promote better adjustment after cancer, yet is poorly understood among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We characterized benefit finding and examined its relationship to demographic/medical factors, change over time, and association with distress.

METHODS

CRC outpatients (N = 133, 50% metastatic) completed self-report measures (demographic/medical factors, benefit finding, distress) at baseline and 6 months later. Wilcoxon rank-sum (Kruskal-Wallis) tests or Spearman correlations tested associations between benefit finding and demographic/medical factors. Linear regressions assessed (1) change in benefit finding over time and whether this differed by demographic/medical factors, and (2) association between benefit finding and distress and whether this changed over time.

RESULTS

Benefit finding was common among patients with CRC, with highest rated items reflecting gratitude, acceptance, and stronger family relationships. Women and racial minorities reported greater benefit finding than men (p < 0.001) and White patients (p = 0.015), respectively. Medical factors (e.g., metastatic disease) were not associated with benefit finding. Benefit finding significantly increased over time (p = 0.03). While greater benefit finding trended towards an association with lower distress, results were not statistically significant and the relationship did not change over time.

CONCLUSION

Benefit finding was characterized largely by perceived psychological and social benefits, as opposed to pragmatic benefits. Individual differences and social determinants may be more informative than medical characteristics when it comes to benefit finding; although, cultural factors and mediators should be examined further. Benefit finding seems to evolve over time perhaps as a coping process; however, its association with psychological distress appears tenuous.

Benefit finding in long-term prostate cancer survivors

Purpose

Benefit finding (BF) represents possible positive changes that people may experience after cancer diagnosis and treatment and has proven to be valuable to the psychological outcome. Knowledge of such beneficial consequences of prostate cancer (PCa) is limited in long-term survivors (> 5 years). Thus, the present study investigated the occurrence of benefit finding (BF) and its determinants in a large sample of (very-) long-term PCa survivors.

Methods

BF was assessed in 4252 PCa survivors from the German database “Familial Prostate Cancer” using the German version of the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS). Associations between BF and sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms and perceived severity of the disease experience) variables were analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Mean age at survey was 77.4 years (SD = 6.2) after a mean follow-up of 14.8 years (SD = 3.8). Mean BFS score was 3.14 (SD = 1.0); the prevalence of moderate-to-high BF (score ≥ 3) was 59.7%. Younger age at diagnosis, lower educational level, and higher perceived severity of the disease experience were predictive of BF. Objective disease severity or family history of PCa was not uniquely associated with BF.

Conclusions

BF occurs in older, (very-) long-term PCa survivors. Our findings suggest that the self-asserted severity of the disease experience in a patient’s biography is linked to BF in the survivorship course above all tangible sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Implications for cancer survivors

PCa survivors may express BF regardless of clinical disease severity. Treating urologists should consider inquiring BF to enrich a patient’s cancer narrative.

Feasibility and effect of a guided self-disclosure intervention designed to facilitate benefit finding in breast cancer patients: A pilot study

PURPOSE

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effect of a guided self-disclosure intervention (GSDI) promoting benefit finding (BF) for breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 40 women with breast cancer were randomized either to a GSDI group, which included a 6-session face-to-face self-disclosure intervention, or to a control group. The Benefit Finding Scale (BFS) was used to measure BF, the Distress Disclosure Index (DDI) was used to measure self-disclosure, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to measure cognitive reappraisal. The outcomes were evaluated at baseline and the 3rd and 6th months.

RESULTS

The GSDI group had more satisfaction (t = 2.35, P = .02) than the control group and had significant group effects of higher BF (t = 2.214, P = .03) and a lower avoidance of the IES-R (t = -2.353, P = .024) at the 3rd month. There was a significant difference of BF (t = 2.036, P = .049) between the two groups at the 6th month, and other outcomes were not significant (P > .05). Intention-to treat (ITT) analysis showed significant time effects for all outcomes (P < .05); there were slightly significant time × group effects for BF (F = 4.15, P = .052) and disclosure (F = 2.719, P = .090). There were no time × group effects for the other outcomes (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the GSDI intervention may be feasible in the clinic and might improve BF for breast cancer patients. However, future research needs to further refine the intervention and expand the sample to carry out a full-scale randomized controlled trial.

A prospective study of cancer-related benefit finding in uveal melanoma patients

Little is known about contributors to the psychosocial impact of uveal melanoma, a rare cancer. Predictors and outcomes of benefit finding, a potentially favorable outcome, were investigated. Adults (n = 107) completed assessments prior to diagnosis of uveal melanoma and one week, three months and 12 months after diagnosis. Path analyses with the full information maximum likelihood estimation method were conducted. Objective disease impact on vision did not predict benefit finding (p > .05). Approach-oriented coping prior to diagnosis and one week later significantly predicted greater benefit finding 12 months later (p < .01). Avoidance-oriented coping at three months moderated the concurrent relationship of benefit finding and positive affect at 12 months (p < .001). This first study of predictors of benefit finding in uveal melanoma patients suggests that greater approach-oriented coping prospectively predicts higher benefit finding. Further, avoidance may condition the association of benefit finding with psychosocial outcomes.

Influences of parentification and benefit finding on prosocial behavior among typically developing siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

Prior research examining typically developing siblings (TDS) of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reports both higher and lower levels of prosocial behavior among TDS. TDS' experiences (parent-focused parentification, sibling-focused parentification) and perceptions of experiences (ASD benefit finding, role benefit finding) may interact to influence TDS prosocial behavior.

AIMS

1) Examine influences of TDS' experiences and perceptions of TDS experiences on prosocial behavior and 2) examine interactions between TDS' experiences of parentification and perceptions of experiences influencing prosocial behavior while controlling for the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

TDS [N = 108; M(SD) age = 20.37(1.55)] were college students who reported having a sibling with ASD, defined as "Autism Spectrum Disorder", "Autism", "Asperger's", and "Pervasive Developmental Disability". TDS completed an online survey about their experiences and perceptions of experiences.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

Controlling for gender and BAP, there was a significant interaction between ASD benefit finding and sibling-focused parentification such that at low levels of ASD benefit finding, sibling-focused parentification negatively predicted prosocial behavior. Lower BAP scores and female gender were associated with greater levels of prosocial behavior.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

TDS experiences and perceptions of experiences are important for understanding TDS prosocial behavior.

The dyadic relationship of benefit finding and its impact on quality of life in colorectal cancer survivor and spousal caregiver couples

OBJECTIVES

To explore the benefit finding (BF) relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and their spousal caregivers, and to discover the dyadic impact of BF on quality of life (QOL) in CRC survivor and spousal caregiver couples.

METHODS

Conducted from May 2018 to December 2018, the study included 286 couples consisting of CRC survivors and their spousal caregivers. The study survey evaluated participants' BF, anxiety, depression, and QOL. Data analysis methods included Pearson's correlation, paired t test, and the actor-partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM).

RESULTS

CRC survivors and spousal caregivers reported comparable moderate to high BF experience (ranging from 68.9 to 80.8%). Moderate to high correlations were found between CRC survivors and their spousal caregivers in all of the paired BFs (including the overall BF scale and three factors) (all Ps < 0.001, r = 0.461-0.612). We found significant positive correlations of the same measures between dyads of CRC survivors and spousal caregivers (r = 0.331-0.612), including BFS-C (overall BF scale and three subscales), HADS-C (anxiety and depression), PCS, and MCS. To a certain degree, BF exerts an impact on couples' QOL through the mediating effect of psychological distress (anxiety and depression).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study further confirms the dyadic interdependence between BF, anxiety, depression, and QOL in couples coping with CRC. In addition, the APIMeM findings may support the proposed mechanism, in that buffering against negative emotions (psychological distress) is an approach in which BF plays an important role, e.g., improves QOL, in the context of a stressful process.

Exploring the Moderating Role of Benefit Finding on the Relationship Between Child Problematic Behaviours and Psychological Distress in Caregivers of Children with ASD

Caregivers of children with ASD often find benefits associated with their caregiving role, and benefit finding predicts lower distress. Child problematic behaviours (CPB), which positively predict caregivers' distress, are perceived to be being less problematic, or more manageable, by caregivers who find benefits. Benefit finding therefore might mitigate the negative psychological impact of CPB. A sample of n = 158 caregivers of children with ASD completed an online survey assessing benefit finding, CPB, and psychological distress. CPB positively, and benefit finding negatively, predicted caregivers' distress. Moderation effects however were not observed. Findings implicate increased CPB and lower benefit finding as risk factors for caregivers' psychological distress. Findings provide clearly definable targets for intervention.

Cancer-related masculinity threat in young adults with testicular cancer: the moderating role of benefit finding

Background and Objectives: Perceiving benefit from a health-related stressor such as cancer has been associated with better psychological adjustment in various cancer populations; however, it has not been studied in the context of young adulthood or gender-related cancer threat. This study investigated the role of benefit finding in psychological adjustment among young adults with testicular cancer, and whether BF moderates cancer-related masculine threat.Design: This study utilizes a cross-sectional design with a diverse sample of young adult testicular cancer survivors.Methods: Men with a history of testicular cancer (N = 171; M age = 25.2, SD = 3.32) completed questionnaires of benefit finding, cancer-related masculine threat, and indicators of psychological adjustment.Results: Multiple regression analysis revealed that cancer-related masculine threat was associated with worse adjustment across indicators and that benefit finding was related to higher positive affect and lower depressive symptoms. Benefit finding attenuated the potentially adverse effect of cancer-related masculine threat on negative affect and depressive symptoms such that cancer-related masculine threat demonstrated a stronger association with negative affect and depressive symptoms for people with relatively low BF.Conclusions: For young adult men with testicular cancer, finding benefit appears to promote well-being in the face of masculine cancer threat.

Optimism and benefit finding in parents of children with developmental disabilities: The role of positive reappraisal and social support

BACKGROUND

Researchers have consistently documented the relationship between optimism and benefit finding; however, there is a dearth of research on the psychological mechanisms mediating their association.

AIM

This cross-sectional study sought to elucidate the mediating role of positive reappraisal and social support in the optimism-benefit finding relationship in parents caring for children with developmental disabilities by testing a parallel multiple mediation model.

METHOD

One hundred and forty-six parents caring for children with developmental disabilities completed an online survey assessing optimism, positive reappraisal, social support and benefit finding.

RESULTS

Optimism was not directly related to benefit finding but rather influenced it indirectly through positive reappraisal and social support. Specifically, higher levels of optimism predicted greater positive reappraisal and social support, which in turn led to greater benefit finding in parents.

CONCLUSION

These results underscore the importance of targeting parents' perceptions of benefits through both positive reappraisal and social support in order to help them cope with the demands of the caregiving context.

Construct validity of the 17-item Benefit Finding Scale in Chinese cancer patients and their family caregivers: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

With increasing interest in, and growing recognition of, the importance of evaluating benefit finding (BF) in cancer practice, the construct validity of a majority of the instruments that claim to assess BF, however, requires further validation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the construct validity of the 17-item Benefit Finding Scale (BFS) in Chinese cancer patient-caregiver dyads and to evaluate the association between the BFS patients and the BFS caregivers.

METHODS

There were 772 dyads of patients with cancer and their family caregivers who completed a survey assessing their demographic information and BF from November 2014 to December 2015. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was applied to evaluate the construct validity of the 17-item BFS.

RESULTS

Dimensionality analysis confirmed a three-dimensional structure validity. The extracted three factors were personal growth, improved relationships, and acceptance. The overall and three subscales of BFS in both cancer patients and family caregivers had good internal consistency, with all of the Cronbach's α ≥0.819. Scores of the three subscales and overall scale between cancer patients and family caregivers were correlated to one another (r = 0.224-0.437, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the three-factor construct validity of the 17-item BFS when applied in the sample of Chinese patients with cancer and their family caregivers. The mutual impact of benefit finding between Chinese patients with cancer and their family caregivers highlights the importance that healthcare professionals need paying special attention to the BF on the dyadic level when supporting patients with cancer.

Psychological Transformation by an Intervention to Facilitate Benefit Finding Among People With Chronic Mental Illness in Japan

PURPOSE

This study aimed to preliminarily explore the psychological transformation effected by a newly developed intervention program for facilitating benefit finding among individuals with chronic mental illness in Japan.

DESIGN AND METHODS

An intervention study with three weekly group sessions was implemented, and qualitative data on the participants' experience of benefit finding were obtained by a questionnaire survey and analyzed using content analysis technique.

FINDINGS

Of the 31 participants, 23 responded that they realized some sort of benefit finding through the intervention.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The program component in question may contribute to enhanced benefit finding for people with chronic mental illness while longitudinal studies involving more participants are desirable.

Brief report: Benefit finding and identity processes in type 1 diabetes: Prospective associations throughout adolescence

Identity formation constitutes a core developmental task during adolescence, but may be challenged when having a chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes. The present study examined whether viewing positive benefits to one's diabetes across adolescence was related to greater identity exploration and commitment later in time. A total of 55 adolescents (10-14 years; 47% female) with type 1 diabetes participated in a six-wave study spanning 3 years (with six-month measurement intervals). Through latent growth curve modeling, Time 6 identity scores were regressed on intercept and slope terms of benefit finding through Times 1-4, simultaneously controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Identity exploration (but not commitment) at Time 6 was positively predicted by the intercept and slope of benefit finding: adolescents who find benefits in diabetes are more inclined to explore different alternatives later on in adolescence. Benefit finding may constitute a resource facilitating identity formation in adolescents with diabetes.

Ethnic differences in the links between benefit finding and psychological adjustment in people living with HIV

Experiencing growth after the diagnosis of a life threatening illness is commonly reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). The links between benefit finding and better adjustment in PLWH have been identified, but it is less clear whether these links vary by ethnicity. Minority stress theory suggests that individuals from minority populations may have unique stress experiences, which can have negative health implications but may also provide opportunity for growth. We hypothesized that the association between benefit finding and psychological adjustment would be stronger for Black (n = 80) than White (n = 87) PLWH. Contrary to predictions, the relationship between benefit finding and better adjustment was significant for White but not Black PLWH. Post-hoc analyses suggested that sexual orientation played role in this relationship. The relationship between benefit finding and psychological adjustment may be complex for Black PLWH, or they may achieve adjustment using other resources.

Psychometric investigation of benefit finding among long-term cancer survivors using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

PURPOSE

Benefit finding has been shown to be beneficial for people with cancer and may be an indication that one is coping adequately with the stress of cancer. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of a four-item benefit finding measure from the cancer survivorship supplement of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

METHODS

Long-term survivors (5-10 years post-diagnosis) of breast, prostate, colorectal or lung cancer or melanoma (n = 594) completed the MEPS cancer supplement survey in 2013. Four items asked about benefit finding after the cancer: stronger person, coping better, positive changes and having healthier habits. Information on sociodemographics, disease and activity limitations after the cancer was also collected. We examined factor structure, reliability (Kuder-Richardson 20) and validity.

RESULTS

The four benefit finding items did not appear to measure one factor. Three of the benefit finding items (stronger person, coping better, positive changes) were related to gender, receipt of chemotherapy and activity limitations but not cancer stage, time since diagnosis or income. Having healthier habits was unrelated to any sociodemographic or disease variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Three of the items (stronger person, coping better, positive changes) appeared to have validity as they were related to variables that literature has shown are related to benefit finding. However, having healthier habits is likely measuring a separate but related construct. This short instrument may be used in future studies assessing benefit finding post cancer; however, the four items should be analyzed separately.

A randomised controlled trial of benefit finding in caregivers: The Building Resources in Caregivers Study Protocol

Caregivers may engage in benefit finding, that is, an increase in perceived positive growth, as a cognitive strategy for coping with stress. The Building Resources in Caregivers study will compare effects of a brief benefit finding writing intervention with a control intervention. Caregivers of people with mental and physical disabilities will be randomised into either a benefit-writing group or a neutral writing group. Caregivers will complete measures relating to themselves and care-recipients (e.g. sociodemographics and illness type) and psychometric measures of benefit finding, distress and quality of life at three time points. Additionally, qualitative commentary on participation experiences will be gathered.

Benefit finding predicts depressive and anxious symptoms in women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to examine the psychometric properties of Chinese version of the Benefit Finding Scale (BFS-C) and to evaluate the effect of benefit finding on depressive and anxious symptoms in Chinese women with breast cancer.

METHODS

The English version of the Benefit Finding Scale was translated and back-translated prior to its administration. At the baseline assessment (T1), 658 women with breast cancer completed a demographic form, BFS-C, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). Then, 4 weeks later (T2), all the participants finished HAD again, and the BFS-C was re-administered to 100 patients who were randomly selected from the total sample.

RESULTS

The BFS-C exhibited moderate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Five factors were extracted by principal component analysis: personal growth, worldview, family relationship, social relationship, and acceptance, and confirmatory factor analyses supported this five-factor model. Regression analyses showed that more benefit finding at T1 could predict less depressive and anxious symptoms at T2, accounting for 21.1 % and 15.3 % of variance, respectively. More worldview, family relationship, social relationship, and acceptance at T1 were associated with less depressive symptoms at T2, and more personal growth, worldview, family relationship, and acceptance at T1 were associated with less anxious symptoms at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

BFS-C is of good reliability and validity, and appropriate for assessing benefit finding in women with breast cancer. Worldview, family relationship, and acceptance are important contributing factors to depressive and anxious symptoms, which may be beneficial for women with breast cancer.

Observations of benefit finding in head and neck cancer patients

The management of head and neck cancer (HNC) can lead to potentially severe physical, functional and psychological disturbances. As a result, many HNC patients develop symptoms of depression following diagnosis and treatment. Finding benefit in a disease and its treatment can reduce the symptoms of depression and enhance quality of life (QOL). 92 patients from the Head and Neck Cancer Clinic at Auckland Hospital completed measures of unmet needs and quality of life at diagnosis, and completed measures of benefit finding, coping, fear of recurrence and depression 12-18 months later. Patients reported at least moderate benefit finding in the majority of areas. More benefit finding was predicted by the presence of more advanced disease, Maori/Pacific Island ethnicity, lower baseline QOL, and the use of active coping strategies. These findings support the view that screening for QOL at diagnosis and facilitating the development of coping skills may lead to improved benefit finding and psychological adjustment in people with head and neck cancer. Identification of the factors that facilitate benefit finding may assist management of patients after treatment for HNC.

Observations of benefit finding in head and neck cancer patients

The management of head and neck cancer (HNC) can lead to potentially severe physical, functional and psychological disturbances. As a result, many HNC patients develop symptoms of depression following diagnosis and treatment. Finding benefit in a disease and its treatment can reduce the symptoms of depression and enhance quality of life (QOL). 92 patients from the Head and Neck Cancer Clinic at Auckland Hospital completed measures of unmet needs and quality of life at diagnosis, and completed measures of benefit finding, coping, fear of recurrence and depression 12-18 months later. Patients reported at least moderate benefit finding in the majority of areas. More benefit finding was predicted by the presence of more advanced disease, Maori/Pacific Island ethnicity, lower baseline QOL, and the use of active coping strategies. These findings support the view that screening for QOL at diagnosis and facilitating the development of coping skills may lead to improved benefit finding and psychological adjustment in people with head and neck cancer. Identification of the factors that facilitate benefit finding may assist management of patients after treatment for HNC.

Existence of benefit finding and posttraumatic growth in people treated for head and neck cancer: a systematic review

Background. The impact of head and neck cancer (HNC) in long-term survivors differs widely among individuals, and a significant number of them suffer from the negative effects of disease, whereas others report significant positive effect. This systematic review investigated the evidence the implications of treatment for HNC and subsequent development of Benefit Finding (BF) or Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). Purpose. To understand how differing medical, psychological and social characteristics of HNC may lead to BF/PTG and subsequently inform post-treatment interventions to encourage positive outcomes. Method. In February 2012, five databases including Pubmed, and Psych Info, were searched, for peer-reviewed English-language publications. Search strings included key words pertaining to HNC, BF, and PTG. One thousand three hundred and sixty three publications were identified, reviewed, and reduced following Cochrane guidelines and inclusion/exclusion criteria specified by a group of maxillofacial consultants and psychologists. Publications were then quality assessed using the CASP Cohort Critical Appraisal tool. Findings. Five manuscripts met the search and selection criteria, and were sourced for review. All studies were identified as being level IIb evidence which is a medium level of quality. The majority of studies investigated benefit finding (80%) and were split between recruiting participant via cancer clinics and postal survey. They focused on the medical, psychological and social characteristics of the patient following completion of treatment for HNC. Conclusion. Demographic factors across the papers showed similar patterns of relationships across BF and PTG; that higher education/qualification and cohabitation/marriage are associated with increased BF/PTG. Similarly, overlap with disease characteristics and psychosocial factors where hope and optimism were both positively correlated with increased reported BF/PTG.