THE CONCEPT OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

The article is devoted to the theoretical analysis of the understanding of the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth in psychology and meta-analysis to combine the results of numerous modern studies. It is noted that, despite the fact that today post-traumatic growth is one of the most researched topics in science, which is of increasing interest, its integral psychological concept is still missing, as well as a general understanding of the concept of post-traumatic growth, its structure, symptoms, stages of development and reasons. It is noted that in psychology, numerous researchers of the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth are inclined to offer their own definitions of it, to single out various symptoms and causes, unwittingly or consciously focusing on the ideas about post-traumatic growth expressed by R. Tedeshi and L. Calhoun. In the article the most relevant scientific approaches to the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth are generalized. The article is also devoted to the disclosure of the meaning of personal growth in personality development, and the highlighting of the peculiarities of the manifestation of post-traumatic growth. The work highlights both the scientific and applied value of post-traumatic growth research. Further prospects for research into this issue are indicated. Having analyzed various approaches to the definition of the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, we can see that the experience of positive changes occurs with a person as a result of combating trauma or encountering complex life crises, serious traumatic situations and events. In addition, this study emphasizes the importance of post-traumatic growth for a person who has experienced difficult life situations. In the article the relationship between growth and distress is examined, it is established that a certain level of distress is necessary for the process of post-traumatic growth to begin. The importance of disclosing information about a traumatic event has been established, as it leads to reflective thinking. The importance of professional help to support the process of post-traumatic growth is emphasized. It is explained how forms of productive and unproductive coping correlate with high levels of posttraumatic growth. Also it is described how post-traumatic growth manifests itself during different time periods. The main empirical instruments of post-traumatic growth research is outlined.