Self-stigma predicts lower quality of life in Chinese American breast cancer survivors: exploring the mediating role of intrusive thoughts and posttraumatic growth

Background It is common for Chinese American breast cancer survivors to believe that having cancer is a stigmatizing condition. Little research exists on how this might affect their quality of life (QoL) and through which psychological processes. Objective In the present study, we examined the association between self-stigma and QoL in a sample of Chinese American breast cancer survivors and tested the potential mediating roles of intrusive thoughts and posttraumatic growth in this relationship. Methods One hundred and thirty-six Chinese American breast cancer survivors completed a questionnaire packet assessing their levels of self-stigma, intrusive thoughts, posttraumatic growth, and QoL. Results As hypothesized, findings indicated a significant negative correlation between self-stigma and QoL. Findings from a path analysis indicated significant indirect effects of self-stigma on QoL through intrusive thoughts and posttraumatic growth—the negative correlation between self-stigma and QoL was completely mediated by more intrusive thoughts and less posttraumatic growth. Conclusions Our findings suggest that self-stigma may harm QoL among Chinese American breast cancer survivors by leading to more intrusive thoughts and not focusing on posttraumatic growth. To attenuate the negative impact of self-stigma on QoL among Chinese American breast cancer survivors, cognition-focused interventions should be utilized to reduce intrusive thoughts and foster posttraumatic growth.