This study is a descriptive correlational study aimed at examining Type D personality, self-disclosure, social support, deliberate rumination, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in patients diagnosed with breast cancer, and identifying factors influencin...
This study is a descriptive correlational study aimed at examining Type D personality, self-disclosure, social support, deliberate rumination, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in patients diagnosed with breast cancer, and identifying factors influencing PTG. The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in a metropolitan city from August 29 to September 20, 2025, with 142 patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were collected using the Type D Personality Scale-14 (DS14), the Self-Disclosure Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Rumination Scale, and the Korea Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (K-PTGI). Collected data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis.
The mean PTG score of breast cancer patients was 56.54±17.39. Among the 142 participants, 58 (40.8%) were classified as Type D personality, and 84 (59.2%) as non-Type D personality. Self-disclosure differed significantly according to education level (t=-2.17, p=.032), type of surgery (F=2.71, p=.047), and chemotherapy status (t=-2.01, p=.048). Social support varied significantly according to the presence of cohabitants (t=-3.82, p=.001), education level (t=-2.90, p=.004), employment status (t=1.99, p=.049), and religious affiliation (t=2.17, p=.032). Deliberate rumination differed significantly according to the presence of cohabitants (t=-2.26, p=.033). PTG differed significantly according to the presence of cohabitants (t=-2.98, p=.007), education level (t=5.56, p=.005), religious affiliation (t=2.08, p=.039), and time since diagnosis (F=3.44, p=.035).
PTG was positively correlated with self-disclosure (r=.48, p<.001), social support (r=.61, p<.001), and deliberate rumination (r=.63, p<.001). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that education level (β=.13, p=.019), time since diagnosis (2–5 years: β=.18, p=.002; ≥5 years: β=.16, p=.006), social support (β=.37, p<.001), and deliberate rumination (β=.45, p<.001) had significant positive effects on PTG.
These findings suggest the need for intervention strategies that comprehensively manage social support and deliberate rumination to enhance post-traumatic growth in patients with breast cancer.