ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ПЕРЕЖИВАННЯ ТРАВМАТИЧНИХ ПОДІЙ ТА ПОСТТРАВМАТИЧНЕ ЗРОСТАННЯ У СТУДЕНТІВ: РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ЕМПІРИЧНОГО ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ

BackgroundAlthough some previous studies have suggested that posttraumatic growth (PTG) is comprised of several factors with different properties, few have examined both the association between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and between PTG and resilience, focusing on each of the factors of PTG. This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that some factors of PTG, such as personal strength, relate to resilience, whereas other factors, such as appreciation of life, relate to PTSD symptoms among Japanese motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed with 118 MVA survivors at 18 months post MVA. Data analyzed included self-reporting questionnaire scores on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Impact of Event Scale- Revised (IES-R), and the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, which is one of the most widely used scales for measuring resilience. Correlations between scores on the PTGI and IES-R, the PTGI and SOC scale, and the IES-R and SOC scale were established by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficients.ResultsPTGI was positively correlated with both SOC and PTSD symptoms, in spite of an inverse relationship between SOC and PTSD symptoms. Relating to others, new possibilities, and personal strength on the PTGI were correlated positively with SOC, and spiritual change and appreciation of life on the PTGI were positively correlated with PTSD symptoms.ConclusionsSome factors of PTG were positively correlated with resilience, which can be regarded as an outcome of coping success, whereas other factors of PTG were positively correlated with PTSD symptoms, which can be regarded as signifying coping effort in the face of enduring distress. These findings contribute to our understanding of the psychological change experienced by MVA survivors, and to raising clinicians' awareness of the possibility that PTG represents both coping effort coexisting with distress and outcome of coping success.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and relate posttraumatic growth with psychological morbidity. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 214 adult children of cancer patients. Additionally, a comparison group was recruited with 78 participants without a chronically ill parent. Measures of distress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and posttraumatic growth were collected. The original five-factor structure of the PTGI was maintained, with satisfactory internal consistency. The reorganization of the items in five factors was similar to the solution found in the original PTGI study, except for four items. Positive correlations between posttraumatic growth and PTSD symptoms/distress were significant. Women showed significantly higher posttraumatic growth. Adult children with parental cancer, and with probable PTSD, showed higher scores on the PTGI. Regression analysis revealed that PTSD symptoms were associated with higher posttraumatic growth, after controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Analysis with the comparison group showed that differences in posttraumatic growth were observed as a function of a shattered experience. This study confirmed the multidimensionality of the posttraumatic growth construct, underscoring the importance of considering the subjective nature of the shattered event, and the experience of emotional distress with parental cancer.

Background: Experiencing a myocardial infarction threatens the health and life of the patient; therefore, it can be perceived as a traumatic event. Indeed, myocardial infarction may result in negative consequences, including symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is also possible to experience positive effects from traumatic events, which is expressed as posttraumatic growth. Personality characteristics, including type D (i.e., distressed) personality, are among several factors that have been shown determine the occurrence of negative and positive consequences after exposure to trauma. Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to establish the role of distressed personality in the occurrence of negative and positive effects of trauma resulting from myocardial infarction. Material and methods: The study included a total of 80 patients after myocardial infarction. Sixty-three patients aged 43-85 years (M=67, SD=10.76) were included in the final analysis. The majority of respondents were men (61.9%). Patients completed a survey with three standardized measurement tools: the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and the Type D Scale (DS-14). Results: Negative affectivity was positively associated with PTSD symptoms, and this association was strongest for negative changes in cognition or mood. Social inhibition was not associated with PTSD symptoms, except for increased arousal and reactivity. Both dimensions of type D personality were positively related to one factor of posttraumatic growth: changes in the spiritual sphere. Conclusions: Reducing the severity of negative affectivity may decrease PTSD symptoms and thus contribute to improved psychosocial functioning among patients who have experienced myocardial infarction.

Breast cancer as a life-threatening disease is the most frequent malignant disease among women all over the world. Resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, breast cancer may also be related to positive changes like post-traumatic growth (PTG). The present study aims to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) parameters among female survivors of breast cancer regarding its relationship with PTSD and PTG. Forty-three women with stage 1-2-3 breast cancer were recruited. Heart rate variability parameters were measured with a 24-hour ECG. Post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were utilized to measure PTSD and PTG. The mean value of PCL-5 was 49.56; the mean value of PTGI was 71.56. Correlation analysis showed that PCL-5 was associated with SDNN (r=-0.310, p=0.043), LF (r=-0.349 p=0.022), and mean heart rate (r=0.396 p=0.009). Post-traumatic growth inventory scores were associated with LF/HF ratio (r=0.310 p=0.043). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that PCL-5 and PTGI scores predicted SDNN and mean heart rate. PTSD and PTG symptoms are related to HRV parameters among female survivors of breast cancer. While PTSD symptoms are related to lower HRV and higher mean heart rate, PTG symptoms are associated with higher HRV and lower mean heart rate.

The moderating role of narcissism on the relationship between posttraumatic growth and PTSD symptoms

What is known on the subject? This study builds on existing research on war-related factors that may affect health-care staff by particularly focusing on trauma exposure in both professional and everyday life, as well as on correlates of later positive psychological changes. What this paper adds to existing knowledge? It shows that one in five nursing staff working in Gaza experienced post-traumatic stress symptoms within the clinical range, 2 years after an incursion on Gaza and after being exposed to substantial trauma during this period. Participants appeared to develop a variety of post-traumatic growth responses following trauma exposure. Although nurses experienced traumatic events both as civilians and in their health-care capacity, personal exposure was strongly associated with PTSD symptoms. What are the implications for practice? Support to nursing and other health-care professionals in war situations should entail different levels, remain available well after an acute conflict, and take into consideration both personal and practice-related traumatic events. Mental health nursing practitioners can play a pivotal role in this. To establish the association between war traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and post-traumatic growth among nurses in the Gaza Strip, 2 years after an incursion on Gaza, and during a period of ongoing trauma exposure. This study builds on existing evidence by considering exposure to personal and work-related traumatic events, and on factors associated with later positive psychological adaptation. The sample consisted of 274 randomly selected nurses in Gaza who completed the Gaza Traumatic Events Checklist, PTSD Checklist, and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Of the nurses, 19.7% reported full PTSD. There was a significant relationship between traumatic events and PTSD scores; as well as between community-related traumatic events and post-traumatic growth. Participants reported a range of traumatic events, but PTSD and post-traumatic growth scores were more strongly associated with community rather than work-related traumas. Nursing professionals experienced high levels of distress 2 years following an acute period of conflict, both as civilians and in their health-care capacity. There is need for different levels of support for health-care staff in war-affected areas. Mental health nursing professionals have a central role in training, counselling and support to other health-care colleagues.

The number of Shidu parents in China is significant and expected to continue increasing. The psychological status of Shidu parents deserves more attention. Our objective is to investigate the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder and attachment styles among Shidu parents on post-traumatic growth, with the aim of providing valuable insights for alleviating post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and enhancing levels of post-traumatic growth following trauma. Demographic data, the Revised Adult Attachment Scale, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, and the post traumatic growth inventory were used to investigated 297 Shidu parents. Two samples t-test was employed to evaluate disparities in post-traumatic growth inventory scores based on post-traumatic stress disorder and diverse attachment styles. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to investigate the association between Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores and post-traumatic growth inventory scores, as well as the association between different attachment styles and post-traumatic growth inventory scores. We performed multiple mediator analyses to further confirm the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder and attachment styles on post-traumatic growth inventory. (1) A total of 35% of the people tested positive for post-traumatic stress disorder; (2) A total of 56.9% of the participants exhibited secure attachment, while 43.1% exhibited insecure attachment; (3) The results unveiled a substantial negative correlation between the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 scores and the post traumatic growth inventory scores; (4) A significant positive correlation was evident in relation to attachment dependence/closeness and post-traumatic growth inventory, while a significant negative correlation was established between attachment anxiety and post-traumatic growth inventory. Our study suggests that post-traumatic growth inventory is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and attachment styles in Shidu parents. It might offer new insights into influencing levels of post-traumatic growth through post-traumatic stress disorder intervention.

The relationship between sub-dimensions of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and distress was investigated for survivors of motor vehicle crashes (MVC). PTG and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for 1045 MVC survivors who attended the Accident and Emergency Services were examined with the Chinese versions of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 1week after the experience of a MVC. A factor structure, which was different from both the original English version of the PTGI and the Chinese version of PTGI for cancer survivors, was identified. Factors extracted were: (1) Life and Self Appreciation; (2) New Commitments; (3) Enlightenment; and (4) Relating to Others. However, correlation analyses indicated a functional similarity between factors from this study and those from previous studies. Relations between PTG sub-dimensions and PTSD symptoms were identified. Results from hierarchical multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling show that there were different predictors for different PTG sub-dimensions. Findings suggest that different modes of relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG sub-dimensions may co-exist.

Research has demonstrated that veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) may experience persistent symptoms following injury. These symptoms are frequently maintained or exacerbated by psychiatric symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies suggest that decreasing PTSD symptoms may also reduce postconcussive symptoms. This study examined whether (a) PTSD and postconcussive symptoms decreased over the course of residential PTSD/TBI treatment and (b) a reduction in PTSD symptoms was associated with a reduction in postconcussive symptoms. Twenty-eight veterans who met diagnostic criteria for PTSD and had a history of TBI were included in the study. Veterans received 8 weeks of treatment in a residential PTSD/TBI program and completed self-report measures of PTSD and postconcussive symptoms at pre- and posttreatment. Results indicated that PTSD and postconcussive symptoms significantly decreased over the course of treatment. Furthermore, the decreases in PTSD and postconcussive symptoms were significantly positively related. The reduction in PTSD symptoms is positively associated with a reduction in postconcussive symptoms following residential treatment in a PTSD/TBI program. These findings suggest that PTSD and postconcussive symptoms are interdependent and mutually influence one another.

This study explores the mediating role of perceived social support and religious coping on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Three hundred fifty university students completed the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief Religious Coping Scale. For testing the research hypotheses, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used. The study results showed that PTSD symptoms, perceived social support, and positive religious coping predicted PTG. Furthermore, perceived social support and positive religious coping mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been traumatogenic for some people, posttraumatic growth (PTG) outcomes have also been observed. This study examined the PTG in adolescents and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and PTG. An online questionnaire was conducted on 2090 adolescent Chinese students to measure COVID-19 related exposure, self-efficacy, PTSD, and PTG. PTG prevalence was found in 20.6% of the sample, with the relationship between PTSD and PTG being found to be a reverse U-shaped curve. Objective exposure factors were found to be closely associated with PTSD symptoms but not with PTG. Similarly, subjective feelings of extreme fear were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms but not with PTG. Self-efficacy was found to be positively correlated with PTG (r = 0.551) and to moderate the relationship between PTSD and PTG. For those with low self-efficacy, the higher the PTSD, the higher the PTG, and for those with high self-efficacy, the higher the PTSD, the lower the PTG. As an improved sense of self-efficacy in adolescents could promote positive psychological transformations, these results could assist in identifying self-efficacy levels and providing guidance for targeted psychological interventions to promote positive growth.

Introduction: Many people, including students, are exposed to various types of traumatic events. The experience of such events usually results in the occurrence of negative consequences, primarily symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Exposure to trauma can also be the cause of the positive consequences revealed in the form of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). The aim of the study was to check whether there is a relationship between experiencing traumatic events and the negative (PTSD) and positive (PTG) consequences of trauma in a group of foreign students, and to determine whether PTSD and PTG are related. Material and methods: The study involved 85 foreign students studying at the University of Lodz, originating in Iraq, Syria, Ukraine and Kazakhstan, of which 80 admitted that they had experienced at least one traumatic event. The subjects’ age ranged from 18–33 years (M = 23.2, SD = 3.64). Men constituted 57.5%, women 42.5%. The following measurement tools were used in the study: The Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Results: The most frequently experienced event by examined students turned out to be combat or exposure to warfare (32.5%). Three-quarters of the surveyed students (75%) showed a high risk of PTSD. At the same time, over half of the respondents were characterized by at least moderate intensity of posttraumatic growth. Positive correlations were found between PTSD and PTG symptoms. Among the symptoms of PTSD, intrusion played a predictive role for PTG. Conclusions: Interventions to reduce the risk of PTSD in young people who have been exposed to traumatic events are required.

Understanding posttraumatic growth (PTG) and the factors associated with PTG among cancer survivors is important to improve their quality of life. This study examined PTG among 225 Korean adolescents and young adults between 15 years and 39 years of age who survived childhood cancer (58.5% males and 41.5% females). We explored the relationships between PTG and several sociodemographic and medical variables, and whether the relationships between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were linear or curvilinear. The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used to assess PTSD symptoms and PTG, respectively. In addition to the effects of sociodemographic and medical variables, there were linear effects of PDS on PTGI (R(2) change = .03, p = .008). No evidence of a curvilinear relationship between PDS and PTGI was found. Higher PDS scores were associated with lower PTGI scores (β = -.18). Older age (β = .41) and shorter time since diagnosis (β = -.42) were associated with greater PTGI. Understanding the factors that were associated with PTG among Korean adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer adds to the knowledge on PTG and may help develop services to promote PTG in this group.

<b>Background</b><br /> Personality and cognitive engagement, including event-related rumination, play essential roles in the negative and positive outcomes of experienced trauma. The aim of the study was to establish the role of personality traits and rumination in the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG).<br /> <br /> <b>Participants and procedure</b><br /> Sixty persons, aged 18-78 years (M = 50.40, SD = 17.74), who had experienced malignant tumours in the craniofacial area, i.e. the lips, palate, parotid gland, eye, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, middle ear and paranasal sinuses, were examined. The majority of respondents (68.30%) were women. The subjects were surveyed with the Impact of Event Scale-R (IES-R), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the NEO-Five Factor Personality (NEO-FFI), and the Event Related Rumination Inventory (ERRI).<br /> <br /> <b>Results</b><br /> Both PTSD symptoms and PTG were observed in the examined group. Almost 77.00% of participants demonstrated at least a medium degree of PTSD. Twenty three percent of subjects revealed a high level of PTG. Both intrusive and deliberate ruminations were related to the presence of PTSD symptoms and PTG. No direct relationship was found between personality dimensions and the negative and positive outcomes of trauma. Neuroticism, which is related to intrusive rumination, affects PTSD symptoms. Conscientiousness, which is related to deliberate ruminations, affects posttraumatic growth.<br /> <br /> <b>Conclusions</b><br /> Personality has an indirect impact on the negative and positive consequences of trauma via rumination over the experienced event.

Many patients with cancer report positive changes often referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Some of these self-reported PTG may represent maladaptive illusions created by individuals to cope with the illness. A recently established Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory - Expanded version (PTGDI-X) includes both PTG and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD) items. This inventory may provide a more balanced picture of the phenomenological world of cancer survivors. We examined the Chinese version of the PTGDI-X's applicability to cancer patients, and how PTG and PTD were related to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Two hundred sixty-five cancer survivors in Taiwan completed the Chinese version of the PTGDI-X, along with the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 to measure posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor structure of the PTGDI-X established in a multi-national study fit our data from cancer patients modestly well. The PTD score had a significant and positive correlation with PTSD symptoms, whereas the PTG and PTSD showed a significant curvilinear relationship in the form of an inverted U-shape. This study's results indicate that PTG and PTD are separated constructs with differential relationships with cancer outcomes. The Chinese version of the PTGDI-X is a viable instrument for psycho-oncological research. The PTD scores can provide useful information to guide cognitive interventions to reduce distorted cognitions. In contrast, the PTG scores can provide further information on the phenomenological world of cancer survivors. In this study, clinical implications and future studies were considered.