Posttraumatic growth and recovery in people with first episode psychosis: an investigation into the role of self-disclosure

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship of self-disclosure about a psychotic episode to posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG) and recovery following psychosis. Thirty-four participants who had experienced a first episode of psychosis completed the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire (a measure of need for, and resistance to, disclosure), a measure of actual self-disclosure, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Process of Recovery Questionnaire. The results highlighted that degree of self-disclosure about a psychotic episode was associated with lower levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and higher levels of PTG and recovery. Low PTSD symptoms, high recovery, high actual self-disclosure and low reluctance to talk were significantly related to high PTG. However, only low levels of PTSD symptoms significantly predicted recovery. Finally, recovery was found to mediate the relationship between self-disclosure and PTG. The findings are discussed in terms of the PTG model. Clinically, the findings suggest that people with early psychosis may benefit from disclosing their experiences of psychosis, including those aspects that were traumatic, as this may support the processes of recovery and PTG.