Post-traumatic growth in patients and caregivers after a primary brain tumor diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Individuals with primary brain tumors and their caregivers experience substantial psychological distress, yet positive psychological outcomes, such as post-traumatic growth (PTG), remain understudied. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and profile of PTG among primary brain tumor patients and caregivers, examine associations with demographic, medical, and psychological variables, and inform future neuro-oncology interventions.

METHODS

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 141 participants (96 patients, 45 caregivers) completed validated surveys assessing PTG, depression, anxiety, and death anxiety. Participants were recruited via online neuro-oncology support and advocacy groups. PTG was measured using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). PTG profiles were examined using descriptives and associations between PTG and patient/caregiver characteristics, tumor-related medical variables, and psychological distress were examined using t-tests, ANOVAs, and Pearson correlations.

RESULTS

70% of patients and 48.8% of caregivers reported moderate-to-high PTG. Appreciation of Life was the most frequently endorsed subscale in both groups. Patients with high-grade tumors exhibited significantly higher PTG than those with low-grade tumors; caregivers of patients with left-hemisphere tumors trended toward higher PTG. PTG was positively associated with death anxiety in patients but unrelated to depression or generalized anxiety in either group.

CONCLUSION

Despite significant distress, many patients and caregivers experience PTG following a brain tumor diagnosis, particularly in appreciating life. These findings highlight the potential for psychosocial and palliative interventions to harness PTG through meaning-making and existential engagement.