Posttraumatic Growth and Health Promotion Behavior in Patients with Cancer: The Mediating Effect of Spiritual Well-Being

Purpose: This study is a descriptive correlation research to test the mediating effect of spiritual well-being in the relationship between posttraumatic growth and health promotion behaviors of cancer patients. Methods: The data were collected from 145 cancer patients of three hospitals. The instruments were Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression using Baron and Kenny’s steps for mediation. Results: The mean score for posttraumatic growth was 3.57. The mean score was 2.98 for health promotion behaviors. The mean score for spiritual well-being was 2.96. There were significant correlations among the variables, posttraumatic growth, health promotion behaviors, and spiritual well-being. Spiritual well-being was directly affected by posttraumatic growth (Adj R=25). Health promotion behaviors were directly affected by posttraumatic growth (Adj R=26). Posttraumatic growth and spiritual well-being affected health promotion behaviors (Adj R=31). Spiritual well-being had a partial mediating effect (β=.25, p<.001) on the relationship between posttraumatic growth and health promotion behaviors (Sobel test: Z=2.84, p<.001). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, nursing intervention programs focusing on managing posttraumatic growth and increasing spiritual wellbeing are highly recommended to improve health promotion behaviors in cancer patients.