Correlates of benefit finding among cancer survivors

Experiencing a life-threatening illness such as cancer can elicit both negative (e.g., distress) and positive psychological responses (e.g., growth). Using the MEPS EWC supplement , we sought to determine the correlates of four positive psychological responses in cancer survivors: becoming a stronger person, coping better with life’s challenges, making positive changes in life, and having healthier habits.  In multivariable analyses, younger, male, white (non-Hispanic), and less-educated survivors and those who had a cancer recurrence were less likely to report being a stronger person due to their cancer, while those with a family caregiver were more likely to report being a stronger person (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=1.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.10-2.33).  Education, race, recurrence, and having a family caregiver were similarly associated with reports of improved coping. Survivors who were younger or white (non-Hispanic) were less likely to report positive changes in their lives, while those who had caregivers or who worried more about recurrence were more than 50% more likely to report positive changes. Finally, survivors who were female, married, non-white, or worried more about recurrence were more likely to report healthier habits because of their cancer. The effects of having a caregiver and cancer-related worry were generally more pronounced in those who were not receiving treatment.