Potraumatyczny rozwoj u kobiet leczonych napromienianiem z powodu choroby nowotworowej

Abstract

Author(s): Agnieszka Mazurkiewicz, Wojciech Otrebski, Marta Makara-Studzinska

Aim of the work: To test the level of posttraumatic growth in case of women treated with radiotherapy.

Material and methods: 40 women treated with radiotherapy were tested. 30 of them were patients of the II Radiotherapy Ward of Centrum Onkologii Ziemi Lubelskiej [Lublin Province Oncology Centre], 10 women were in outpatient treatment. The patients filled in the post traumatic growth inventory (PTGI).

Results: 40% of women showed low level of positive change due to the experienced trauma in form fighting cancer. Average level was of positive changes was shown in case of 35% of respondents and 25% have shown high levels of positive changes. In analysis of the fields of the posttraumatic growth we may say that most numerous changes occurred in larger valuing of life (M=3.38) and in relations with others (M=2.96). Changes of lesser intensity occurred in fields of: spiritual life (M=2.57) and changes of perception of oneself (M=2.03).

Conclusions: Women treated for cancer experience posttraumatic growth. Although a crisis situation like the diagnosis of cancer and the fight with it are marked with great suffering, it can also be connected with positive changes that can be observed in many aspects of life.

Share this article