The Relationship Between Emotional Self-Efficacy and Post-Traumatic Growth in Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is a major health problem that may affect women not only physically but also psychologically and socially. The diagnosis and treatment process can be experienced as a traumatic life event that disrupts emotional balance, body image, daily functioning, and future expectations. Nevertheless, some women report positive psychological change after struggling with cancer-related adversity, a phenomenon conceptualized as post-traumatic growth. This study examined the relationship between emotional self-efficacy and post-traumatic growth among women undergoing breast cancer treatment. A quantitative correlational research design was used. The sample consisted of 214 women receiving breast cancer treatment in Türkiye, with a mean age of 44.2 years. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, simple linear regression analysis, and independent samples t-test were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics. The findings indicated a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between emotional self-efficacy and post-traumatic growth (r = .68, p < .001). Emotional self-efficacy significantly predicted post-traumatic growth and explained 46% of the variance. Married participants reported significantly higher post-traumatic growth scores than single participants. The results suggest that emotional coping beliefs may support psychological adaptation and growth during the breast cancer treatment process. Psycho-oncological interventions that strengthen emotional awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience may contribute positively to women’s psychological well-being.