Predicting Post-Traumatic Growth from Social Support and Meaning-Making Ability

Perceived social support associated with posttraumatic growth in liver transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study

This study focused on gaining insight into the positive changes of stroke survivors. This study aimed to describe the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and explore its correlation with rumination and social support in stroke survivors. The impacts of individual characteristics on PTG were also discussed. A descriptive correlation design was used in this study. Stroke survivors from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou City were investigated. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Chinese version of Event Related Rumination Inventory, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used to assess the level of PTG, rumination, and social support. The mean (SD) score of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was 61.12 (25.41). There were moderate positive correlations between PTG with rumination and social support among stroke survivors (r1 = 0.392, r2 = 0.336, P < .01). The level of education, support from family, and deliberate rumination accounted for 34.6% of the total variance in PTG (F = 11.554, P < .001). The phenomenon of PTG of stroke patients in hospital existed, but it was at a low level. Stroke survivors with a higher level of rumination, social support, and a university level education had a higher level of PTG.

Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) is a form of positive psychological change that occurs for some individuals following traumatic experiences. High levels of PTG have been reported among survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI). Yet it remains unclear why some survivors of ABI develop PTG and others do not. The present study investigated early and late factors that are associated with long-term PTG in people with moderate to severe ABIs. Participants (n = 32, Mage = 50.59, SD = 12.28) completed self-report outcome measures at two time-points seven years apart (one-year and eight-years post-ABI). Outcome measures assessed emotional distress, coping, quality of life and ongoing symptoms of brain injury, as well as PTG at the later timepoint. Multiple regression analyses indicated that one-year post-ABI, fewer symptoms of depression, more symptoms of anxiety, and use of adaptive coping strategies accounted for a significant amount of variance in later PTG. At eight years post-ABI, fewer symptoms of depression, fewer ongoing symptoms of brain injury, better psychological quality of life and use of adaptive coping strategies explained a substantial amount of variance in PTG. For individuals with ABIs, PTG may be promoted by implementing long-term neuropsychological support which aims to facilitate use of adaptive coping strategies, supports psychological wellbeing and allows individuals to find meaning post-ABI.

This study examined variables associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG) in stroke carers and compared predictions of two models of PTG within this population: the model of Schaefer and Moos was compared to that of Tedeschi and Calhoun (1992, Personal coping: Theory, research, and application. Westport, CT: Praeger, 149; 1998, Posttraumatic growth: Positive changes in the aftermath of crisis. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum, 99; 2004, Psychol. Inq., 15, 1, respectively). A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Carers of stroke survivors (N = 71) completed questionnaires measuring PTG, coping style, social support, survivor functioning, age, and carer quality of life. Correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analyses were used to test hypotheses. All carers completing the PTG measure (N = 70) reported growth, but average scores differed from cancer carers (Chambers et al., 2012, Eur. J. Cancer Care, 21, 213; Thombre et al., 2010, J. Psychosocial Oncol., 28, 173). PTG was positively correlated with deliberate and intrusive rumination, avoidance coping, social support, and quality of life. Regression analysis showed that factors identified by Tedeschi and Calhoun (deliberate rumination, intrusive rumination, social support, acceptance coping, survivor functioning) accounted for 49% of variance in PTG, whereas those identified by Schaefer and Moos (active coping, avoidance coping, social support, survivor functioning, and age) accounted for only 21%. Rumination, especially deliberate rumination, explained most variance in PTG and mediated the effect of social support on PTG. The findings add to the limited body of evidence suggesting that stroke carers experience growth. Deliberate rumination and social support are important in explaining growth, and the findings support the model proposed by Tedeschi and Calhoun over that of Schaefer and Moos. What is already known on this subject? Literature on caring for stroke survivors focuses on negative outcomes (Ilse, Feys, de Wit, Putman, & de Weerdt, 2008) to the exclusion of positive outcomes such as post-traumatic growth (PTG; Calhoun & Tedeschi, 1999). Studies of a variety of health conditions have demonstrated that PTG occurs in patients and carers after illness events and is associated with well-being (Gangstad, Norman, & Barton, 2006; Helgeson, Reynolds, & Tomich, 2006; Kim, Schulz, & Carver, 2007). Exploratory studies and studies of benefit finding have shown that PTG occurs in stroke carers (Bacon, Milne, Sheikh, & Freeston, 2009; Buschenfeld, Morris, & Lockwood, 2009; Haley et al., 2009; Thompson, 1991), but there are no studies using standard instruments to assess PTG in this population. Moreover, current theories posit different explanations for PTG (Schaefer & Moos, 1992, 1998; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004), and there is a need for empirical tests (Park, 2010). What does this study add? This study extends knowledge by measuring PTG with a standard instrument in a sample of UK stroke carers and investigating associated variables. The study also compared the predictive power of the models of PTG proposed by Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) and Schaefer and Moos (1992, 1998). PTG was found in UK stroke carers, but levels differed from cancer carers in other countries. Factors associated with PTG were identified; Tedeschi and Calhoun's model best predicted PTG. Deliberate rumination had a direct effect on PTG and also mediated the effect of social support. Deliberate rumination is a possible target for therapeutic interventions to enhance PTG.

Objective To understand the levels of posttraumatic growth in rescue nurses 6 years after the great Wenchuan earthquake, and analyze the reasons and influence factors. Methods The general information of the nurses and the post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI) were used to carry out the cross-sectional study in 736 nurses who took part in the rescue works of the great Wenchuan earthquake. Results The average score of PTGI in rescue nurses was (45.39±23.47) points.Rescue nurses had different posttraumatic growth who had different educational level (F=7.180, P=0.000), household income monthly per capita, the type of rescue work, financial loss, health status, residential satisfaction, satisfaction with social support, satisfaction with family members, satisfaction with leaders and colleagues, satisfaction with friends and relatives(F=3.000-17.484, P<0.050). There was also a statistically significant difference between the score of nurses who had received psychological support and who had received no psychological support (t=-3.657, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that satisfaction with friends and relatives, psychological support, household income monthly per capita and satisfaction with leaders and colleagues could affect the total score of PTGI. All the variables could explain 7.5% variance of posttraumatic growth. Conclusions Rescue nurses have relatively low posttraumatic growth. Satisfaction with friends and relatives, psychological support, household income monthly per capita and satisfaction with leaders and colleagues are related to the posttraumatic growth of rescue nurses. Key words: Nurses; Earthquake; Posttraumatic growth

Cancer survivors often report post-traumatic growth. Since culture influences the development of post-traumatic growth, the aims of this study were to measure the prevalence of post-traumatic growth in Italian long-term disease-free and treatment-free cancer survivors (≥5 years) and explore the relationship between post-traumatic growth and sociodemographic and clinical variables. Three hundred sixty long-term disease-free and treatment-free cancer survivors were assessed with Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Brief COPE and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Mean age was 58.6 years, and mean survival was 11 years (range 5-32). The PTGI average total score was higher in younger survivors, in those without comorbidities, in survivors engaged in physical activity. Positive correlation between PTGI and Brief COPE and between PTGI and MSPSS were found. The variables more associated with post-traumatic growth were age, comorbidity, physical activity and two coping subscales. The prevalence of post-traumatic growth in this sample of cancer survivors was lower than previous studies. We discussed some possible explanations, including the consideration that cultural differences may affect the development of post-traumatic growth in cancer survivors. Having less comorbidities, receiving social support from friends, having the ability to adaptively cope and engaging in physical activity were found to be strongly associated with post-traumatic growth.

This study examined the posttraumatic growth (PTG) about parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and the correlates of PTG. A cross-sectional study. Parents (N = 388) of children with isolated CL/P (ages 3 months-18 years) who had at least one cleft surgery within an oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in a provincial capital in southwest China. Demographic information questionnaire, The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Social Support Rating Scale were used for data collection. Parents’ mean PTG score was in the moderate range (M = 65.7, SD = 13.73). PTG differed regarding the participants’ sex, ethnicity, and educational background. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that positive coping ( r = 0.43, P &lt; .01), negative coping ( r = 0.13, P &lt; .01), and social support ( r = 0.26, P &lt; .01) were positively correlated with PTG. Multiple regression model showed that 20.6% ( P &lt; .001) of the variance in PTG was explained by higher positive coping (β = 0.35, P &lt; .001), greater social support (β = 0.13, P = .01), and for cleft lip compared to cleft palate (β = −0.14, P ≤ .01), with no variance difference for cleft lip and palate. Parents of children with CL/P had moderate PTG. Potentially modifiable correlates of PTG suggest interventions to enhance parental positive coping and social support may increase PTG. Further studies are needed to confirm the PTG level and its affecting factors of parents of children with CL/P.

Objective:On March 15, 2019, a white supremacist attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand causing 51 deaths. The March 15 study was initiated to evaluate the mental health and wellbeing of the affected Muslim community. Given participants shared faith and reported growth through adversity, an evaluation of post-traumatic growth and religious coping was included.Methods:The March 15 study assessed sociodemographic and clinical factors 11–32 months after the shootings. The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and the Religious Coping Scale were administered. Descriptive statistics were used to report the presence of moderate-high post-traumatic growth. Bivariable analyses between Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and potential predictor variables were undertaken. Measures that were significantly (p < 0.05) or marginally (p < 0.10) associated with post-traumatic growth were included in a multivariable regression model.Results:Data for 187 participants were analysed. Fifty-eight percent of the participants met criteria for moderate-to-high post-traumatic growth. Being present at a mosque during the shootings (p = 0.011) and use of a life coach after the shootings (p = 0.02) were positively associated with post-traumatic growth. Family tensions and holding a university degree were negatively associated with post-traumatic growth (p = 0.035, 0.011). When the Religious Coping Scale was included in the multivariable model, it explained a large proportion of the variance associated with post-traumatic growth (p < 0.001).Conclusion:The participants experienced relatively high levels of post-traumatic growth. The dominance of religious coping in the multivariable model suggests that the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and Religious Coping Scale assessed similar qualities for Muslims impacted by the March 15 shootings. Qualitative research is required to broaden understanding of the underpinnings to post-traumatic growth.

Background: When schools reopened for face-to-face classroom instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers faced many professional challenges. Most studies examining teachers’ psychosocial condition after school reopening predominantly focused on negative aspects of their emotional well-being, leaving a gap in the understanding of the potential positive effects. This study is grounded in the theory of post-traumatic growth, which suggests that growth and development can occur alongside difficulties. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to shed light on the lesser explored associations between resilience, social support, and post-traumatic growth among teachers after the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined the differences in post-traumatic growth between teachers in special education and those in general education. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were recruited by convenience sampling. A self-report online survey was used to collect data from 208 Israeli teachers during November 2022. Results: Most of the participants (79.4%) reported experiences of post-traumatic growth during the pandemic. The findings revealed that post-traumatic growth exhibited a positive association with social support (r = 0.23, p &lt; 0.001) and resilience (r = 0.18, p &lt; 0.001). The multiple regression model was significant, explaining 14.5% of the variance in post-traumatic growth [F(4.202) = 8.58, p &lt; 0.001]. Finally, special education teachers exhibited higher levels of post-traumatic growth than general education teachers (t = −2.36, p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Social support for teachers must be provided during and after traumas caused by crises and pandemics similar to COVID-19. Intervention programs and ongoing training should offer effective tools to help teachers balance their professional and personal lives. Promoting positive changes in teacher well-being must be a priority in the education system.

Objective To understand the level of posttraumatic growth among people living with HIV/AIDS and analyze the influencing factors. Methods Totally 175 people living with HIV/AIDS were randomly selected via convenience sampling and investigated using patients′ general information, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory(PTGI), HIV stigma scale and Social Support Rating Scale. Results The average score of PTGI among people living with HIV/AIDS was (60.76±27.03) points. Single factor analysis showed that there was a difference among people living with HIV/AIDS who had different education status, health insurance and whether to tell others HIV positive (Z=21.534, t=2.607, 3.958, P< 0.01). There was a difference between the level of social support and perceived discrimination among people living with HIV/AIDS (r=0.245-0.275, P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the level of social support, perceived discrimination and whether to tell others HIV positive could affect the total score of PTGI. All the variables could explain 24.0% variance of posttraumatic growth. Conclusions People living with HIV/AIDS havemoderate posttraumatic growth. The level of social support, perceived discrimination and whether to tell others HIV positive are related to the posttraumatic growth among people living with HIV/AIDS. Key words: Acquired immunedeficiency syndrome; Posttraumatic growth

The possibility of posttraumatic growth in the aftermath of pregnancy loss has received limited attention to date. This study investigated posttraumatic growth in mothers following stillbirth compared to early miscarriage. It was hypothesised that mothers following stillbirth will demonstrate more posttraumatic growth, challenge to assumptive beliefs, and disclosure than mothers following early miscarriage. The study also sought to understand how theoretically-derived variables of the Model of Growth in Grief (challenge to assumptive beliefs and disclosure) explained unique variance in posttraumatic growth when key factors were controlled for. One-hundred and twenty women who had experienced a stillbirth (N = 57) or early miscarriage (N = 63) within the last two to six years completed validated questionnaires in an online survey relating to posttraumatic growth and key variables relevant to emotional adjustment post-bereavement. Participants who had experienced a stillbirth demonstrated significantly higher levels of posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress symptoms, perinatal grief, disclosure, challenge to assumptive beliefs and rumination than participants who had experienced an early miscarriage (Cohen's d ranged .38-.94). In a hierarchical stepwise regression analysis, challenge to assumptive beliefs alone predicted 17.5% of the variance in posttraumatic growth. Intrusive and deliberate rumination predicted an additional 5.5% of variance, with urge to talk, reluctance to talk, and actual self-disclosure predicting a further 15.3%. A final model including these variables explained 47.9% of the variance in posttraumatic growth. Interventions targeting challenge to assumptive beliefs, disclosure, and rumination are likely to be clinically useful to promote psychological adjustment in mothers who have experienced stillbirth and early miscarriage.

The possibility of posttraumatic growth in the aftermath of pregnancy loss has received limited attention to date. This study investigated posttraumatic growth in mothers following stillbirth compared to early miscarriage. It was hypothesised that mothers following stillbirth will demonstrate more posttraumatic growth, challenge to assumptive beliefs, and disclosure than mothers following early miscarriage. The study also sought to understand how theoretically-derived variables of the Model of Growth in Grief (challenge to assumptive beliefs and disclosure) explained unique variance in posttraumatic growth when key factors were controlled for. One-hundred and twenty women who had experienced a stillbirth (N = 57) or early miscarriage (N = 63) within the last two to six years completed validated questionnaires in an online survey relating to posttraumatic growth and key variables relevant to emotional adjustment post-bereavement. Participants who had experienced a stillbirth demonstrated significantly higher levels of posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress symptoms, perinatal grief, disclosure, challenge to assumptive beliefs and rumination than participants who had experienced an early miscarriage (Cohen’s d ranged .38-.94). In a hierarchical stepwise regression analysis, challenge to assumptive beliefs alone predicted 17.5% of the variance in posttraumatic growth. Intrusive and deliberate rumination predicted an additional 5.5% of variance, with urge to talk, reluctance to talk, and actual self-disclosure predicting a further 15.3%. A final model including these variables explained 47.9% of the variance in posttraumatic growth. Interventions targeting challenge to assumptive beliefs, disclosure, and rumination are likely to be clinically useful to promote psychological adjustment in mothers who have experienced stillbirth and early miscarriage.

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer triggers not only a negative psychological response for the patient, but also a positive psychological outcome. Positive dyadic coping, as a form of coping for mental health outcomes, can maintain or reestablish internal stability between the patient and his or her spouse, resulting in positive physical and psychological changes. However, there is a paucity of research on body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship and pathways between body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to November 2023 at a tertiary care hospital in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. This study was conducted among 154 breast cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, all of whom completed demographic and clinical information questionnaires, Body image self-rating questionnaire for breast cancer (BISQ-BC), Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). A Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the path relationships among the three and to explore the mediating role of dyadic coping. The level of body image was negatively correlated with post-traumatic growth (r = -0.462, p < 0.01); and the level of body image was negatively correlated with dyadic coping (r = -0.308, p < 0.01). And dyadic coping was positively associated with post-traumatic growth (r = 0.464, p < 0.01). The structural equation modeling results supported the mediation model with the following model fit indices, chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio (χ2/df = 2.05), goodness of fit index (GFI = 0.93), comparative fit index (CFI = 0.99), canonical fit index (NFI = 0.93), incremental fit index (IFI = 0.99), non-canonical fit index (TLI = 0.99) and the root mean square of the difference in approximation error (RMSEA = 0.03). Body image and dyadic coping directly affected post-traumatic growth (β = -0.33, p < 0.05; β = 0.43, p < 0.05). And body image indirectly influenced post-traumatic growth through dyadic coping (β = -0.17, p < 0.05). Interconnections between body image, dyadic coping, and post-traumatic growth in breast cancer patients. A preliminary validation of the mediating role of dyadic coping between body image and post-traumatic growth, body image can have an impact on dyadic coping, which in turn can have an impact on post-traumatic growth. Whereby higher levels of dyadic coping in patients may also be associated with higher levels of post-traumatic growth, whereas body image disturbance may impede levels of post-traumatic growth.

BackgroundSyrian refugee women not only suffered the refuging journey but also faced the burden of being the heads of their households in a new community. We aimed to investigate the mental health status, traumatic history, social support, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of Syrian refugee women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured interviewer-administered survey between August and November 2019. Syrian refugee women who head their households and live outside camps were eligible. The survey included items investigating socio-demographic characteristics and conflict-related physical trauma history. The Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS-15) scale was used to screen for emotional distress symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a score range of 0−4 and higher scores indicating emotional distress. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was utilized to assess the perceived support from family, friends, and significant others (score range 1−7), with scores of 3−5 and 5.1−7.0 representing moderate and high support, respectively. The PTG Inventory (PTGI) scale investigated the positive transformation following trauma; the score range was 0−5, and the cutoff point of ≥3 defined moderate-to-high growth levels.ResultsOut of 140 invited refugee women, 95 were included, with a response rate of 67.9%. Their mean (SD) age was 41.30 (11.75) years, 50.5% were widowed, and 17.9% reported their husbands as missing persons. High levels of conflict-related traumatic exposure were found, including threats of personal death (94.7%), physical injury (92.6%), or both (92.6%); and a history of family member death (92.6%), missing (71.6%), or injury (53.7%). The mean (SD) RHS-15 score was above average (2.08 (0.46)), and most women (90.5%) were at high risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. The mean (SD) MSPSS score was 5.08 (0.71), representing moderate social support, with friends’ support being the highest (5.23 (0.85)). The mean (SD) PTGI score was 2.44 (0.48), indicating low growth, with only 12.6% of women experiencing moderate-to-high growth levels. Spiritual change and personal strength had the highest sub-scores, with moderate-to-high growth levels experienced by 97.9% and 84.2%, respectively. Most women were more optimistic and religious, had feelings of self-reliance and better difficulties adapting, and were stronger than they thought. Statistically significant correlations of MSPSS and its subscales with RHS-15 and PTGI were detected.ConclusionSignificant but unspoken mental health problems were highly prevalent among Syrian refugee women and an imminent need for psychological support to overcome traumatic exposure. The role of social support seems to be prominent and needs further investigation.

BackgroundThe rising number of people affected by mental health disorders contributes to a significant disease burden and presents a major public health challenge worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to explore profiles of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and psychological resilience in rehabilitation patients with mental health disorders, and to analyze the effects of social support reported by these individuals.MethodsA convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 273 patients (Mage = 37.57, SD = 12.82) hospitalized in a psychiatric specialty hospital, from August to October 2024. Participants provided data through self-report instruments, including a general information questionnaire, the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), with all items from each scale administered. Latent profile analysis was conducted to explore the potential categorization of PTG and psychological resilience; multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyze its influencing factors; and ANOVA was used to compare differences in social support level reported by patients with different categories of PTG and psychological resilience.ResultsMeasures of CD-RISC and PTGI displayed substantial heterogeneity, and were therefore divided into three groups: severe turmoil (13.3% of participants), fluctuating adaptation (53.6%), and integrated adaptation (33.1%). Regression analysis showed that age and social support were factors that significantly influenced classification (P < 0.05), and comparison of social support scores among patients in the three groups showed significant differences (P < 0.05).ConclusionHeterogeneity existed in the PTG and psychological resilience of patients during the rehabilitation period. Compared with other subgroups, patients in the integrated adaptation group exhibited elevated social support resources. Healthcare professionals should utilize these groups when assessing PTG and resilience. This will allow for personalized clinical interventions based on these profiles that may help ameliorate psychological distress, increase perceived social support, and enhance overall mental well-being.