Positive consequences of head and neck cancer: key correlates of finding benefit

The identification of positive outcomes from adversity has been commonly termed benefit finding. This cross-sectional questionnaire study aimed to identify the extent to which benefit finding occurs among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and what factors are associated. HNC patients treated 6 months to 10 years previously (n = 76), completed the following measures: the LOT-R, HADS, the Brief COPE, and a measure of benefit finding. Moderate to high levels of benefit finding were reported. Optimism and positive reappraisal were positively associated with benefit finding, with optimism acting independently of positive reappraisal coping. These findings have implications for the development of interventions to maximize positive psychological outcomes after treatment.