• Journal of Family Relations
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.223-238
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was a) to examine the effect of positive family relationships on post-traumatic growth in cancer patients, and b) to verify the moderating effect of spiritual sensitivity. Methods: The subjects were cancer patients, both outpatients and inpatients selected from major hospitals specialized in cancer treatment using judgement sampling. A self-administered questionnaire survey was given to cancer patients, and a total of 208 cases were collected but only 201 cases were used in the final analysis due to seven unclear and inadequate questionnaires. We performed descriptive statistics to identify the prevalence for each variable, and the moderating effect was verified through multiple regression analysis. Results: The main results are as follows. First, the average post-traumatic growth of the subjects was 3.01 (0-5 points). Second, the positive family relations of the subjects were 2.58 (0-5 points) and the average of spiritual sensitivity was 2.93 (1-5 points). Third, positive family relationship of cancer patients was positively correlated to post-traumatic growth, and spiritual sensitivity was verified as a moderator to positive family relationship enhancing the post -traumatic growth. Conclusion: These findings imply the importance of post-traumatic growth in cancer patients as a key intervention point to overcome pain and frustration from cancer. We suggest to develop family therapy programs and services aimed at fostering positive family relationships and meeting the needs of spiritual sensitivity for cancer patients and their families. This study also provides ways to promote post-traumatic growth in social welfare facilities in medical institutions and religious foundations.