Psychological well-being and psychological adjustment to cancer in breast cancer survivors: Considering age and years since diagnosis

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of experiencing breast cancer on psychological well-being by comparing breast cancer survivors with women who had no history of cancer. The study also tested the hypothesis that psychological well-being predicts psychological adjustment to cancer. The analyses considered both age and years since diagnosis. A web-based survey was conducted with breast cancer survivors (n=214) and women without a history of cancer (n=300). An analysis of covariance, controlling for age, revealed that experiencing breast cancer does not necessarily hinder psychological well-being or its development, and that a sense of personal growth may be cultivated in the long term. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth positively predicted psychological adjustment to cancer. These findings suggest that interventions to enhance these factors may effectively support psychological adjustment. This is particularly significant for younger survivors, highlighting the importance of age-appropriate psychological support.