Development of a theoretical model of post-traumatic growth based on the Holy Quran

This qualitative research used the phenomenology approach to explore the indicators of resilience and psychological growths in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected from interviews with a focus group of 30 participants about their personal psychological experiences when facing difficulties during the peak of the pandemic. The qualitative data analysis results showed that the participants exhibited several indicators of resilience in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including: 1) A strong spirit in the face of adversity, 2) Optimism and adaptability in coping with challenges, and 3) A belief in life's resources and meaning. In addition, each individual’s development of psychological transformations is explained according to the theoretical model of post-traumatic psychological growth. Moreover, the study identified the five dimensions of post-traumatic psychological growth experienced by the participants: 1) a newfound appreciation for life after overcoming fear and anxiety, 2) strengthened relationships despite stress and pressure, 3) the discovery of inner strength drawn from traumatic experiences, 4) the development of new potential stemming from a sense of community, and 5) the spiritual growth that transcended sorrow and loss. The results of this study provide additional knowledge about psychological transformation in humans when facing a major global pandemic, helping mental health practitioners support people in coping with adverse events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other adverse contexts in the future.

An approach called growth model-based mapping (GMM) of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) is proposed in this paper. The principle of the approach is to fit the growth curve of each individual or line with a theoretical or empirical growth model at first and then map QTLs based on the estimated growth parameters with the method of multiple-trait composite interval mapping. In comparison with previously proposed approaches of QTL mapping based on growth data, GMM has several advantages: (1) it can greatly reduce the amount of phenotypic data for QTL analysis and thus alleviate the burden of computation, particularly when permutation tests or simulation are performed to estimate significance thresholds; (2) it can efficiently analyze unbalanced phenotype data because both balanced and unbalanced data can be used for fitting growth models; and (3) it may potentially help us to better understand the genetic basis of quantitative trait development because the parameters in a theoretical growth model may often have clear biological meanings. A practical example of rice leaf-age development is presented to demonstrate the utility of GMM.

Multivariate analysis for product design and control

Theoretical models of post-traumatic growth (PTG) have been derived in the general trauma literature to describe the post-trauma experience that facilitates the perception of positive life changes. To develop a statistical model identifying factors that are associated with PTG, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used in the current study to assess the relationships between perception of diagnosis severity, rumination, social support, distress, and PTG. A statistical model of PTG was tested in a sample of participants diagnosed with a variety of cancers (N=313). An initial principal components analysis of the measure used to assess rumination revealed three components: intrusive rumination, deliberate rumination of benefits, and life purpose rumination. SEM results indicated that the model fit the data well and that 30% of the variance in PTG was explained by the variables. Trauma severity was directly related to distress, but not to PTG. Deliberately ruminating on benefits and social support were directly related to PTG. Life purpose rumination and intrusive rumination were associated with distress. The model showed that in addition to having unique correlating factors, distress was not related to PTG, thereby providing support for the notion that these are discrete constructs in the post-diagnosis experience. The statistical model provides support that post-diagnosis experience is simultaneously shaped by positive and negative life changes and that one or the other outcome may be prevalent or may occur concurrently. As such, an implication for practice is the need for supportive care that is holistic in nature.

This study explored the psychological mechanisms through which posttraumatic cognitions influence posttraumatic growth among adults in their 20s and 30s who had experienced interpersonal trauma. Specifically, the study examined the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of perceived social support in this relationship. A total of 211 adults aged 20 to 39 completed measures assessing posttraumatic cognitions, self-compassion, perceived social support, and posttraumatic growth. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 and PROCESS macro 4.2. The results showed that, first, self-compassion fully mediated the relationship between posttraumatic cognitions and posttraumatic growth. Second, social support moderated the effect of posttraumatic cognitions on self-compassion, such that high levels of social support buffered the negative impact of posttraumatic cognitions on self-compassion. Third, social support moderated both the direct and indirect effects of posttraumatic cognitions on posttraumatic growth. These findings support theoretical models of posttraumatic growth and highlight the interactive influence of individual and social factors in the reconstruction of trauma-related cognitions. Interventions that enhance self-compassion and provide sufficient social support may be effective in promoting growth among survivors of interpersonal trauma.

This theoretical review proposes a three-phase process model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). By combining trauma-related theories, emotional regulation theories, social support theories, and empirical study findings to elucidate the mechanisms underlying PTSD and PTG, we then propose our model. The proposed model highlights the dynamic characteristics of the PTSD and PTG developmental processes as well as their coexistence and places equal emphasis on the roles of cognitive and emotional activities and social support in three distinct dynamic phases of PTSD and PTG. It emphasizes that PTSD and PTG share similar prerequisites but that these two outcomes later diverge and ultimately manifest via three distinct phases. The specific roles of cognitive regulation, emotional regulation, and social support, and the potential theoretical and practical implications of this model, are discussed. This integrative and dynamic process model has the potential to advance scientific understanding of the mechanisms underlying PTSD and PTG. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The purpose of the article was to find out the role of emotional and metacognitive processes in the post-traumatic growth of student youth. For this purpose, an online survey was conducted using the following methods: Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), AAQ-II, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire (CiOQ). The point-biserial correlation coefficient was used for the mathematical analysis of the data. As a result of the theoretical analysis, it was found that the prevailing theoretical models of posttraumatic growth are fundamentally cognitive. However, there are studies that have examined the relationship between PTG and metacognitive beliefs. A metacognitive way of thinking allows people to take a more critical stance on their cognitive capacities and can help facilitate PTG. It has also been found that emotivity as a linguistic embodiment of emotionality can play an important role in the development of PTG. The empirical study found that after 1 year of full-scale war in Ukraine, the average values of PTG indicators among the surveyed youth are quite high. Young people show positive changes in the perception of their own self, the emergence of new opportunities, an increase in personality strength, and a sense of inner integrity. We did not find a relationship between emotional expression and PTG. However, we did find a relationship between expression suppression and cognitive reappraisal, as well as significant relationships between cognitive reappraisal and PTG with all its components. These findings suggest that cognitive reappraisal can also be performed in relation to one's emotional reactions to traumatic events, helping young people to make sense of their traumatic experiences.

A coping style is the type of strategy used to reactively manage emotional distress in response to a stressor (Xiong et al., 2020). Coping style can be adaptive, whereby appropriate approaches are employed, or maladaptive, whereby unhealthy, or harmful methods are used (Lazarus & Folkman, 1986). Coping styles have been studied in relation to posttraumatic outcomes including post-traumatic stress (PTS) and growth (PTG), and many other predictors. However, recent events including the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and the August 4th explosion in Beirut have called for investigation of these models among Lebanese nurses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of coping styles on posttraumatic growth and stress models among 130 nurses in Lebanon while moderating for the effect of proximity to the traumatic events. A study with a cross sectional design using 3 tools to measure PTS, PTG and coping styles were respectively PCL5, PTGI and BRIEF COPE .Results showed that only avoidant coping style was a significant positive predictor of PTS. Seeking social support and problem-solving coping styles were revealed to be significant predictors of PTG. The findings of this study can be used to empower nurse education programs and clinical interventions to shift their approach to dealing with trauma among this population by focusing more on posttraumatic growth (PTG).

Applications of automated text analysis techniques have gained significant attention in recent years. Automated text analysis methods are transforming research by offering valuable tools for robust textual analysis and data-driven theory-building. These methods’ impacts on the rigor of qualitative text analysis remain under-researched. We use an advanced automated text analysis method, structural topic model (STM), to assess whether or not a mixed-methods approach that combines automated with qualitative text analysis improves analytical rigor by focusing on four widely recognized criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Based on these criteria, our study shows how the combination of automated text analysis and qualitative text analysis can enhance analytical rigor. Ultimately, our research argues that automated techniques are powerful tools in a mixed-methods framework, effectively complementing qualitative-interpretive analysis without replacing the insights and understanding provided by human researchers. We conclude by discussing the implications for future studies employing this mixed-methods approach.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. This study tested the PTG Model in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans following a major combat-related amputation. Specifically, the relationships among social support, rumination, length of time since amputation, and PTG among these veterans were examined. This was a descriptive correlational design using a mailed survey. Data were collected from OEF and OIF veterans with a major traumatic amputation (excluding digit-only loss). A nationwide postal survey was conducted in 2007 of veterans with a major combat-related traumatic amputation. 210 veterans registered at the Department of Veterans Affairs were sent a survey packet containing a letter of introduction, informed consent form, stamped return envelope, and four surveys: a study-specific demographic questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Postdeployment Social Support scale, and a Rumination scale. The mean PTGI score among OEF and OIF amputees (N= 56) was 59.1 (SD= 23). Rumination showed the strongest correlation with PTG: r= .43, p= .001. There was a small positive relationship between postdeployment social support and PTG: r= .24, p= .039. No statistically significant correlation between PTG and time since amputation was found in this sample. As proposed in the PTG model, the findings of this study support the benefit of rumination or cognitive processing of the traumatic event and postdeployment social support in the process of developing PTG following a major combat-related amputation. Following a life-threatening war injury, the patient's worldview is dramatically altered or shattered. Old assumptions and belief systems are rebuilt in the acute phase, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. The struggle in the aftermath of the traumatic event that results in personal transformation is known as PTG. Nurses contribute to a patient's physical and psychosocial adjustment by cultivating an environment in which the patient can explore and cognitively process the traumatic event and the resulting injury. Postdeployment social support in the form of emotional support (comforting gestures) or instrumental support (providing tangible goods or services) can be a means to foster PTG.

Background and aims: Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive psychological changes experienced after an incident. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is seen as a traumatic incident that impacts many aspects of a person's life. The present study aimed to investigate the association between perceived social support and mental health with the post-traumatic growth model through the mediating role of coping strategies in COVID-19 recovered patients. Methods: This study was conducted using a path analysis method from the correlation matrix. The research population included all COVID-19 recovered patients in Golestan Province. Using the convenience sampling method, 300 patients who recovered from COVID-19 were selected. The research instruments included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the General Health Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The data was analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS and AMOS software version 25. Results: The findings revealed that the suggested model fit the data. The relationship between post-traumatic growth, perceived social support, and mental health with problem-focused coping strategies were positive and significant (P<0.01). The relations between mental health and perceived social support with post-traumatic growth were positive and significant. Post-traumatic growth and perceived social support had a negative and significant relationship with emotion-focused strategies (P<0.01). Furthermore, the relationship between mental health and emotion-focused strategies was not significant. Conclusion: Mental health, perceived social support, and problem-focused strategies play an essential role in COVID-19 patients' post-traumatic growth. As a result, they might be helpful in minimizing the psychological impact of COVID-19.

Purpose: By reviewing policies on higher education for international students, this article aims to investigate the change of social–historical context, policy issue, and policy solution and provide implications for policymaking. Design/Approach/Methods: The study used qualitative text analysis. One hundred and twelve policy papers were collected from the PKULAW database and the Ministry of Education official website. Deductive categories were constructed under themes like social–historical context, policy issue, and policy solution separately. Findings: Four stages have emerged from the text analysis. The policy focus witnessed a shift from openness to expansion and then to quality. The policies made by the central government changed a lot accordingly. China is increasingly active in higher education internationalization and eager to make the education for international students an attractive brand with high quality. To realize this target, policies should be made based on different types of international students. Additionally, it is necessary that policies provide detailed guidance and accelerate capacity building in all majors. Originality/Value: This study contributes to existing knowledge of higher education for international students in China by providing qualitative policy text analysis, and the insights gained from this study may be of assistance to policymaking in the future.

Purpose: The development of post-traumatic growth was studied longitudinally within 14 months poststroke. The predictions of two models of post-traumatic growth were examined.Method: Forty-three stroke survivors were investigated at two time points (i.e., time 1 and time 2), six months apart. Each completed the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, Rumination Scale, Impact of Events Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Social Support, the Barthel Index and the COPE scale.Results: Post-traumatic growth was evident four to five months after stroke, increasing significantly over the next six months at which point levels resembled those reported in cross-sectional stroke studies. Active and denial coping and rumination at time 1 were positively associated, and age was negatively associated, with post-traumatic growth at time 2, but acceptance coping was not associated. Neither active coping nor rumination mediated the effect of social support on post-traumatic growth as predicted. As predicted, rumination mediated the relationship between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth. Exploratory stepwise regression demonstrated rumination and active coping at time 1 accounted for 45% of variance in post-traumatic growth at time 2.Conclusions: Post-traumatic growth can develop soon after stroke. Deliberate rumination is a key factor in post-traumatic growth. Both active coping and denial coping were associated with post-traumatic growth demonstrating the psychological complexity of poststroke adjustment.Implications for rehabilitationTherapists can expect stroke survivors to show post-traumatic growth in the first months after stroke.Therapists should look to promote post-traumatic growth and positive adjustment through working with survivors to increase active coping (attempts to deal effectively with the impact of stroke) and rumination (cognitive processing of the impact of the stroke).Since denial coping was also associated with posttraumatic growth, stroke survivors who maintain overly optimistic views about the severity and impact of their stroke are likely to benefit from therapists continually facilitating capacity for growth and well-being.

Research has suggested that not all reports of posttraumatic growth (PTG) may reflect “actual” changes, leading to the idea of illusory growth. The main purpose of this chapter is to propose a way to apply a PTG theoretical model to distinguish between PTG and illusory growth. The chapter starts with the background of PTG research. Second, we outline a PTG theoretical model most commonly used in PTG research and explain the key components of the model. Third, we review multiple methods of defining illusory growth that have been used in the literature. Fourth, we discuss challenges in commonly defined illusory growth and propose an alternative idea of applying the PTG theoretical model to explain the differences between PTG and illusory growth. Fifth, we provide empirical findings based on a cross-national study to demonstrate the applicability of this method of distinguishing PTG from illusory growth. The chapter concludes with theoretical and clinical implications and identifies future directions in this field.

Post-traumatic growth among parents of burn-injured children: A cross-sectional survey.