Big Five Factors as Predictors of Resilience in Breast Cancer Patients and their Caregivers

Personality can influence one’s reaction to coping and stressful life situations, thereby influencing physiological responses to stress including immune functions and contribute to development of disease. The next of kin needs to cope with their new role in the relationship with the patient. The present study attempts to examine the big five factors as predictors of resilience in breast cancer patients and their caregivers. A convenient sample of 180 patients with breast cancer aged 23 to 75 years and their caregivers aged 22 to 75 years participated in this study. The sample was administered NEO-FFI- 3 and Bharathiar University Resilience Scale (BURS). Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out. Extraversion positively and neuroticism negatively predicted resilience in both cancer patients and their caregivers. Besides this, agreeableness negatively predicted resilience in caregivers of breast cancer patients. Caregivers play a significant role in resilience of breast cancer patients. Personality traits have an impact on a patients’ resilience, which in turn can influence their wellbeing, quality of life, and also the treatment outcomes.