Post-traumatic growth among gastrointestinal oncological patients: the perspective of Stevan Hobfoll’s conservation of resources theory

Abstract

This study assessed the relation between social support dimensions and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of gastrointestinal cancer patients. Particular focus was placed on the mediating role of resources based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory and its effect on the previously mentioned association. A total of 190 patients comprising 87 females and 103 males with a clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer were recruited to participate in this study. This was a cross-sectional study, with social support evaluated by the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). The participants’ levels of subjectively possessed resources were assessed by the Conservation of Resources Evaluation (COR-E) questionnaire. Posttraumatic growth was evaluated by the PostTraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). No direct relation was found between social support and PTG among participants. However, a mediating role of subjectively possessed resources was detected through the COR theory on the aforementioned relationship, i.e. the link between social support and PTG. More specifi-cally, the level of economic and political resources was a mediator in the relation. These results contribute to extant literature on the psychological aspects of gastrointestinal cancer. Evidently, social support may be related to positive outcomes among gastrointestinal cancer patients in the form of PTG.