Individual differences in attitudes and perceptions toward posttraumatic growth and illusory growth

Abstract

Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), positive psychological change that may arise through the struggle with a highly stressful life event, is theorized to require certain key cognitive processes depicted in a PTG theoretical model. Authenticity of PTG, however, has been debated in literature, raising the awareness of Illusory Growth. We hypothesized that the differences between PTG and Illusory Growth may be explained by characteristics of narcissists' experience with stressors, primarily through positive reevaluation of the stressors for personal gain. The current study investigated perceptions and attitudes toward these different types of growth in a sample of undergraduate students (N = 282). Participants were read vignettes that detailed the experience of PTG and Illusory Growth, and they disclosed their attitudes toward the respective growth types. The participants also completed the Pathological Narcissism Inventory. Results revealed that PTG and Illusory Growth were perceived differently and that the order in which growth types were introduced affected attitudes toward each growth type. Certain narcissistic personality characteristics minimally correlated with perceptions of authenticity of the growth types. Findings have implications for the growing distinction between PTG and Illusory Growth in the literature and for practical attempts to educate about both types of growth.