Date
8-9-2024
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Natalie Hamrick
Keywords
PTSD, breast cancer, hormone-fed breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, TNBC, depression, anxiety, chemotherapy, survivor
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Gray, Carla Horton, "Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Survivors: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-Traumatic Growth, Quality of Life, and Unmet Mental Health Needs" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5903.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5903
Abstract
The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate levels of PTSD, PTG, QOL, their relationships, and unmet mental health needs of triple-negative breast cancer survivors diagnosed between stages 2b-4 and 2-5 years post-treatment. Participants were recruited through two cancer organizations, breast health navigators, TNBC support groups, and online breast cancer support groups. Sixty-one participants completed the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Thirty participants completed the optional short answer questions about unmet mental health needs. Participants’ mean score of 48 (SD=12.22) on the PCL-C was higher than 44, PTSD scores above 44 are considered indicative of PTSD (t(60) 2.38, p = 0.02), according to the Department of Veteran Affairs. Participants had moderate levels of PTG and moderate levels of QOL. Compared to the published sample of TNBC patients during treatment, this sample of TNBC survivors 2-5 years post-treatment had lower total QOL (M = 80.67,SD = 19.88) (t(60) =-3.70, p < .001), as well as lower QOL for all subscales. Lower PTSD (b = -1.15, p < .001) and higher PTG (b = -1.15, p < .001) both predicted higher total QOL. The qualitative short answer questions revealed important themes for mental health like the need for therapy and counseling, lack of information and support, and lack of understanding, care, and information on the transition into survivorship. Anxiety and fear of recurrence were the top reported mental health challenges. Mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, and the need for support were identified as unmet mental health needs currently, which supports current research’s future application of prevention, identification, and interventions or treatments.
