Relationship between posttraumatic growth and help-seeking behavior in use of psychosocial support services among patients with cancer.

Purpose: Cancer survivors who used psychosocial support services often report posttraumatic growth (PTG). This refers to positive psychological changes that may occur as the five domains as a result of the challenges they face. Opposing relationship also might exist. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PTG and help-seeking behavior (HSB).

Methods: In total, 710 participants completed an online survey at Time1. Of those, 395 who reported not using any psychosocial support services at Time1 were asked to participate in the Time2 survey and completed a questionnaire. The participants provided demographic information, the experiences of using psychosocial support services, and the overall and five domains of PTG.

Results: Those who experienced HSB at Time1 reported a higher PTG, and two of the PTG domains, Appreciation of Life and New Possibilities, than those who did not used services. Mixed ANOVAs showed the main effects of the HSB on the overall PTG, Appreciation of Life, and New Possibilities. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses showed that Appreciation of Life at Time1 was significantly related to the engaging in HSB at Time2.

Conclusion: Those who received psychosocial support services reported a higher PTG. Participants may have also engaged in HSB because they had experienced PTG. People who are likely to seek help and experience PTG may share common characteristics.

Implications For Cancer Survivors: Support for those who do not fit the existing PTG and the use of psychosocial support services should also be considered.