Empowerment mediates the impact of upper extremity function on posttraumatic growth in breast cancer survivors

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between upper extremity function and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in breast cancer survivors, focusing on the mediating role of empowerment while controlling for spirituality.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 191 breast cancer survivors in self-help groups in South Korea. Participants included women aged > 40 years who had undergone surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, with no metastasis to other organs and no cognitive disabilities. Data were collected between July and October 2019. Measures included upper extremity function, empowerment, spirituality, and PTG.

The participants' mean age was 59.29 years. Significant positive correlations were found between upper extremity function and empowerment (r ​= ​0.28, P ​< ​0.001), upper extremity function and PTG (r ​= ​0.22, P ​= ​0.002), and empowerment and PTG (r ​= ​0.18, P ​= ​0.015). Spirituality was positively correlated with PTG (r ​= ​0.55, P ​< ​0.001). On mediation analysis, upper extremity function, directly and indirectly, affected PTG through empowerment. Furthermore, a significant difference in PTG based on educational attainment was observed, with higher PTG levels observed in survivors with a college degree or higher than in those with a high school education or lower.

These findings highlight the importance of upper extremity function and empowerment in enhancing PTG among breast cancer survivors. Although spirituality did not have a direct effect, it remains a crucial factor in coping strategies. Holistic interventions addressing physical and psychological aspects of recovery may foster PTG and overall well-being of breast cancer survivors.