Roles of benefit finding in psychological and inflammatory adjustments in persons with colorectal cancer: a prospective analysis on the multidimensionality of benefit finding.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the unique associations of different dimensions of the resilience factor, benefit finding, on concurrent and prospective psychological and biological adjustment outcomes over the first year after a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

METHODS AND MEASURES

Individuals newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer ( = 133, mean age = 56 years old, 59% female, 46% Hispanic) completed questionnaires assessing the multidimensional aspects of benefit finding around 4 months post-diagnosis (T1). Psychological (depressive symptoms and life satisfaction) and biological [C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)] adjustments were assessed at T1 and one-year post-diagnosis (T2).

RESULTS

Structural equation modeling revealed that at T1, greater reprioritization was concurrently related to higher depressive symptoms (=.020). Lower acceptance, lower empathy, and greater positive self-view predicted higher life satisfaction at T2 (s<.010). Additionally, lower empathy and greater family valuation predicted higher CRP at T2 (s<.004), whereas greater positive self-view predicted higher IL-10 at T2 (=.039). Greater overall benefit finding was associated with lower IL-10 at T1 (=.013).

CONCLUSION

Various aspects of benefit finding differentially relate to psychological and inflammatory markers during the first year after diagnosis in persons with colorectal cancer. Interventions designed to specifically enhance positive self-view may promote both the psychological and biological health of individuals with cancer.