The relationship between posttraumatic growth, self-efficacy, and social support in burn patients: A cross-sectional study

Aims: To explore the effects of self-efficacy and social support on posttraumatic growth among burn patients.

Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design and used convenience sampling method to recruit moderate and severe burn patients. The study was conducted from January to July, 2018 in a tertiary hospital in Linyi, China. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on posttraumatic growth, social support, and self-efficacy. Path analysis conducted using SPSS AMOS 21.0 software was used to explore the relationship between the above three variables.

Results: The mean scores for posttraumatic growth, social support, and self-efficacy were 58.11 ± 9.60, 43.48 ± 6.81, and 24.97 ± 5.71, respectively. Self-efficacy and social support were directly and positively related to posttraumatic growth among burn patients. Social support was also indirectly and positively associated with posttraumatic growth. Self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth.

Conclusions: Self-efficacy was an important mediator for burn patients' social support and posttraumatic growth. Therefore, self-efficacy and social support should be considered when designing and implementing of interventions for posttraumatic growth among burn patients.