Profiles of posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth among breast cancer patients: role of caregiver burden

Using a person-centered approach, this study examined the heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) co-occurrence among breast cancer patients and identified factors associated with distinct latent profiles. A total of 600 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at a tertiary hospital were recruited. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and multinomial logistic regression were conducted to identify PTSD - PTG profiles and to examine the predictive roles of caregiver burden and demographic variables. LPA identified three distinct profiles: (1) Low Symptom Group, characterized by low PTSD and PTG; (2) Positive Growth Group, exhibiting low PTSD and high PTG; and (3) Distressed Growth Group, marked by high levels of both PTSD and PTG. Multinomial logistic regression indicated that type of surgery, residential location, and caregiver burden were significant predictors of profile membership. Patients living in cities were more likely to belong to the low symptom group relative to the distressed growth group (OR = 0.27). In addition, residence in cities (OR = 3.22) and towns (OR = 2.17) was associated with a higher probability of belonging to the positive growth group compared with the distressed growth group. Patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery were more likely to belong to the low symptom profile rather than the positive growth group (OR = 3.22). Higher caregiver burden significantly increased the odds of membership in the distressed growth group relative to the low symptom group (OR = 1.11), whereas it was associated with lower odds of belonging to the positive growth group compared with the distressed growth group (OR = 0.88). These findings highlight the heterogeneity of posttraumatic psychological responses among breast cancer patients, demonstrating distinct co-occurring profiles of PTSD and PTG, and emphasizing the relevance of caregiver burden and contextual factors in shaping patterns of posttraumatic adaptation.