Uncertainty and Growth Through Uncertainty in Breast Cancer Survivors (2009)

Undergraduate: Daniel Hall

Faculty Advisor: Karen Gil
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

---

After treatment, a breast cancer survivor may experience posttraumatic stress symptoms and uncertainty about her future. Some survivors may also experience personal growth or growth through uncertainty (GTU) from their cancer experience. The current study explored the relationship between uncertainty, GTU, and positive and negative affect in 143 women younger than 50. Demographic and treatment-related variables were also investigated. Results indicated that higher uncertainty and more fatigue significantly predicted lower positive affect and higher negative affect. Higher GTU was a significant predictor of higher positive affect and lower negative affect. Findings provided support for the uncertainty in illness theory. Limitations include a cross-sectional design that prevents causal inferences. Future directions are discussed in terms of the need for intervention research.