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Publication
Meaning in life, meaning-making and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Esta revisão sistemática e meta-análise tem como objetivo sintetizar e avaliar a associação
encontrada na literatura entre o significado da vida (SV), meaning-making (MM) e o
crescimento pós-traumático (CPT) em pacientes oncológicos. A procura de artigos foi realizada
em 18 bases de dados, seguindo as normas PRISMA. Os artigos empíricos que abordavam SV
ou MM e CPT em adultos diagnosticados com cancro foram considerados para inclusão. Os
dados de correlação r foram extraídos dos artigos incluídos. Dos 889 artigos considerados, nove
artigos, publicados entre 2006 e 2022, preencheram os critérios de inclusão. A amostra é
constituída maioritariamente por pacientes diagnosticados com cancro da mama. Para além da
relação entre as variáveis SV, MM e CPT, estas foram ainda positivamente associadas à
espiritualidade, suporte social, satisfação com a vida e negativamente associadas à ansiedade e
à depressão. Na meta-análise, os cinco artigos incluídos (N = 844), revelaram que o SV está
moderadamente associado ao CPT (r = 0,43, 95% IC [0,36, 0,50]). Alguns estudos indicaram
uma relação direta entre o SV e o CPT, sugerindo que a presença de SV poderá facilitar o
desenvolvimento de CPT. Tendo em consideração o impacto que estas variáveis têm nas
diversas dimensões da vida dos pacientes oncológicos, estudos futuros devem explorar mais
detalhadamente a relação entre as variáveis. Na prática clínica, a exploração de dimensões
existenciais, como o SV, e o recurso a intervenções centradas no significado poderão ser uma
forma de auxiliar o ajustamento e de potenciar o crescimento pessoal nestes pacientes.
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthetize and assess the association between meaning in life (MiL), meaning-making (MM) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of cancer. A systematic search was conducted in 18 electronic databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. The empirical articles that assessed MiL or MM and PTG in adult cancer patients were considered for inclusion. The correlation coefficients between MiL and PTG were extracted. From the 889 records considered according to the inclusion criteria, a total of nine articles, published between 2006 and 2021, were included in the systematic review. The sample is mostly constituted of breast cancer patients. The included articles, besides the association between MiL, MM and PTG, found that these variables were also positively associated to spirituality, social support, life satisfaction and negatively associated to anxiety and depression. The meta-analysis included five articles (N = 844) and the results indicate a significant moderate correlation between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.43, 95% IC [0.36, 0.50]). Additionally, some studies reported a direct relationship between MiL and PTG, revealing that MiL might facilitate the process of PTG. Considering the impact of these variables in several aspects and dimensions of the life and experience of cancer patients, future research should explore this relationship further, as well as meaning centered interventions that can potentiate a positive adjustment and possibly growth from the cancer experience. In the clinical practice, cancer patients would benefit from an open approach and exploration of existential matters.
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthetize and assess the association between meaning in life (MiL), meaning-making (MM) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the context of cancer. A systematic search was conducted in 18 electronic databases, following the PRISMA guidelines. The empirical articles that assessed MiL or MM and PTG in adult cancer patients were considered for inclusion. The correlation coefficients between MiL and PTG were extracted. From the 889 records considered according to the inclusion criteria, a total of nine articles, published between 2006 and 2021, were included in the systematic review. The sample is mostly constituted of breast cancer patients. The included articles, besides the association between MiL, MM and PTG, found that these variables were also positively associated to spirituality, social support, life satisfaction and negatively associated to anxiety and depression. The meta-analysis included five articles (N = 844) and the results indicate a significant moderate correlation between meaning in life and posttraumatic growth (r = 0.43, 95% IC [0.36, 0.50]). Additionally, some studies reported a direct relationship between MiL and PTG, revealing that MiL might facilitate the process of PTG. Considering the impact of these variables in several aspects and dimensions of the life and experience of cancer patients, future research should explore this relationship further, as well as meaning centered interventions that can potentiate a positive adjustment and possibly growth from the cancer experience. In the clinical practice, cancer patients would benefit from an open approach and exploration of existential matters.
Description
Dissertação de mestrado apresentada no ISPA –
Instituto Universitário para obtenção do grau de Mestre na
especialidade de Psicologia Clínica.
Keywords
Meta-análise Significado da vida Sentido da vida Crescimento pós traumático Psico oncologia Meta-analysis Meaning Posttraumatic growth Psycho-oncology Cancer