Relationships between quality of life and finding benefits in a diagnosis of colorectal cancer

This longitudinal study investigated relations between benefit‐finding domains and outcome measures. Participants were 1,757 individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A written questionnaire and telephone interview were completed at 5‐months (Time 1) and 12‐months post‐diagnosis (Time 2). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed three psychometrically sound factors: personal growth, interpersonal growth, and acceptance. Results of regression analyses were conducted and found that Time 1 benefit‐finding domains accounted for significant amounts of variance in Time 1 positive affect and cancer‐related quality of life (both the aggregate score and its social/family, functional, and colorectal cancer‐specific well‐being subscales). Time 1 personal growth also predicted Time 1 psychological distress. After controlling for Time 1 positive affect, personal growth continued to predict Time 2 positive affect. Results delineate the benefit‐finding domains in the context of colorectal cancer and their differential links with outcome measures cross‐sectionally, and longitudinally. These findings have implications for theory building and the measurement of benefit‐finding.