Exploring Posttraumatic Growth in Sierra Leone Using Mixed Methods

Abstract

The Sierra Leonean population has faced severe collective traumata (e.g., civil war, Ebola). Although adversities have a devastating impact on people’s lives, there is strong evidence that the struggle with stressful life events can lead to positive changes, which is called posttraumatic growth (PTG). Across many cultures individuals experience PTG. However, the nature of PTG might be influenced by cultural factors. This study aimed to explore PTG in a Sierra Leonean sample using a convergent parallel mixed methods design. The quantitative study investigated the factor structure of the expanded Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-X). The qualitative study identified emergent PTG themes. In sum, 360 adults reported on their worst experience and completed the PTGI-X; Additionally, 20 participants took part in in-depth interviews. The original factor structure of the PTGI-X did not apply to this Sierra Leonean sample. A one-factor model including 17 items was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The qualitative findings revealed PTG dimensions that corresponded to the original ones, which were summarised into the domain “individual growth” (tranquillity and trust, achievement motivation, existential apperception, emphasis on values of life, benevolence). A new domain “collective growth”, which reflected societal changes, was found as well. That means, in addition to a personal positive transformation, a social transformation was revealed. The findings indicated that an individualistic measurement such as the PTGI-X falls short to examine growth dimensions in non-Western cultures. A broader definition of PTG might foster the integration of different cultural and collective elements that emerge in response to stressful events.