3.Discussion
PTG theory suggests that traumatic events such as cancer cause
individuals to change their original worldview and cognitive-behavioral
patterns, to cope with traumatic events while experiencing pain, and to
actively seek solutions to problems(Tedeschi R G & Calhoun L G 1996).
The post-traumatic growth experiences of thyroid cancer patients in this
study are largely consistent with PTG theory.
3.1 Seek effective responses to promote positive transformation of
negative emotions
It has been suggested that negative emotions, such as anxiety, seriously
affect the prognosis of patients(Sharpe L et al.2018). With the outbreak
of the new crown epidemic, a series of adverse reactions occur in
individuals and society, and the physical and mental health and
well-being of individuals are seriously threatened(Minihan E et
al.2020).The results of this interview showed that thyroid cancer
patients usually experience negative emotions such as shock and sadness.
And, there was a positive trend of shifting the negative emotions of
thyroid cancer patients during the treatment.In Fujimoto’s study of PTG
in cancer patients, it was concluded that a future-oriented positive
coping style plays a key role in the patient’s reintegration into the
social environment and reestablishment of social functioning as an
extremely valuable spiritual resource(Fujimoto T & Okamura H
2021).Several patients in this study showed a vision of a new life. The
hope that patients perceive in the pain of trauma contributes to
post-traumatic growth, and the expectation of new possibilities is an
important part of motivating patients to cope positively.Health care
professionals should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s
coping style and apply individualized coping strategies to shift the
patient’s perspective on grief. Patients may be guided to engage in
patient-to-patient communication or to vent negative emotions through
disclosure, etc.
3.2 Strengthened support systems to help patients through difficult
times together.
As an inert cancer, thyroid cancer has a high survival rate, a low
recurrence and metastasis rate. However, some patients in this interview
still expressed traumatic stress reactions such as fear and even
collapsed after diagnosis. Our research found that patients with low
knowledge of thyroid cancer exhibited more severe physical and
psychological stress, and that psychological stress decreased with
increasing knowledge, which is consistent with Morton’s findings(Morton
R P 2003). Currently, health education provided by health care
professionals is mostly focused during hospitalization and follow-up.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide early knowledge support at the
time of patient screening and diagnosis.
It has been shown that social support system has a positive contribution
to PTG in cancer patients(Ruf M et al.2009).It has been argued that
patients with a harmonious and stable family structure have a stronger
desire to overcome the disease(Barnett M E et al 2014).This interview
found that in addition to support from within the family, social support
from friends, co-workers, and health care professionals inspired
patients.Therefore, medical and nursing staff can start with the
different family characteristics of the patient and focus on
strengthening the internal support system of the patient’s family,
taking into account the social support of the patient.
3.3Guiding patients to perceive PTG and promoting good psychological
adjustment
The occurrence of PTG in thyroid cancer patients depends on factors such
as personal traits, cognitive processing, and mental strength. Good
personality traits and personal past experiences are favorable
conditions for traumatized individuals to achieve growth. Therefore,
under the dual trauma of the epidemic and the disease, healthcare
professionals should provide positive guidance to patients, tap into
their inner resources, and create conditions for their growth.
Cognitive processing is a key part of the patient’s acceptance of trauma
toward growth, the patient’s ability to make efforts to regulate pain is
extremely important to the process of PTG production, and whether or not
cognitive processing is perfect influences the occurrence of PTG(Baník G
& Gajdošová B 2014), while disclosure plays a key role in cognitive
processing.Therefore, health care workers should patiently guide
patients in cognitive processing, listen to their stories, and respond
positively with empathy, which will help strengthen patients’ perception
of personal value, stimulate their inner potential, and make them brave
to fight against trauma.
In terms of spiritual perception, this study did not conclude that
growth in religious beliefs in thyroid cancer patients.The reason for
this analysis may be related to the differences in cultural beliefs
between China and the West. The increase in empathy is seen as an
increase in the power of religious beliefs in the West, while in China
it is attributed to Confucianism.Therefore, when guiding patients to
perceive PTG, health care professionals should fully consider the
differences between Chinese and Western cultures, respect the cultural
backgrounds of different countries.