Profiles of Resilience and Growth in Youth With Cancer and Healthy Comparisons

Abstract

Objective  Inconsistent links between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in youth following a stressful life event have been observed in previous literature. Latent profile analysis (LPA) provides a novel approach to examine the heterogeneity of relations between these constructs.  Method  Participants were 435 youth (cancer group = 253; healthy comparisons = 182) and one parent. Children completed measures of PTS, PTG, and a life-events checklist. Parents reported on their own PTS and PTG. LPA was conducted to identify distinct adjustment classes.  Results  LPA revealed three profiles. The majority of youth (83%) fell into two resilient groups differing by levels of PTG. Several factors predicted youth’s profile membership.  Conclusions  PTS and PTG appear to be relatively independent constructs, and their relation is dependent on contextual factors. The majority of youth appear to be resilient, and even those who experience significant distress were able to find benefit.