The relationship between post-traumatic growth and psychosocial adaptation and mental well-being in oncological gastrointestinal surgery patients: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between post-traumatic growth and psychosocial adaptation and mental well-being in oncological gastrointestinal surgery patients. This descriptive and correlational study was conducted between April 2025 and July 2025 at the general surgery department of Turgut Özal Medical Center with 60 oncological gastrointestinal surgery patients determined by power analysis. The data collection tools included the Demographic Characteristics Form, Post-Traumatic Growth Scale, Psychosocial Adjustment Scale, and Mental Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis. The mean total score of the Post-Traumatic Growth Scale was low (31.60±9.70), the mean total score of the Psychosocial Adjustment Scale was at a poor level (54.32±18.62), and the mean total score of the Mental Well-Being Scale indicated possible depression (19.11±5.16). A strong positive correlation was found between post-traumatic growth and psychosocial adjustment (r=0.887). A strong positive correlation was also observed between psychosocial adjustment and mental well-being (r=0.889). Furthermore, a strong positive correlation was identified between post-traumatic growth and mental well-being (r=0.986) (p<0.05). The results of the study suggest that post-traumatic growth increases psychosocial adjustment in oncological gastrointestinal surgery patients, which in turn indicates an improvement in spiritual well-being.