Do types of social isolation affect post-traumatic growth outcomes differently in patients undergoing hemodialysis? A moderated chain mediation model.

AIMS: The present study aimed to explore the effect of different types of social isolation on post-traumatic growth (PTG) and its underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 274 patients undergoing hemodialysis between October and November 2022. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed relationships.

RESULTS

Objective social isolation negatively predicted PTG. Deliberate rumination mediated the relationship between objective social isolation and PTG, and intrusive rumination and deliberate rumination formed a chain mediating effect on the relationship between subjective social isolation (i.e., loneliness) and PTG. In addition, gratitude strengthened the association between intrusive rumination and deliberate rumination.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care providers should adopt effective preventive and intervention measures to reduce the level of objective social isolation in patients undergoing hemodialysis in order to promote their positive psychological adjustment. Notably, appropriate loneliness can enhance patients' cognitive processes and promote their PTG.