Dimensions Of Posttraumatic Growth Research Articles

Posttraumatic Growth Experiences among Tibetan Refugees: A Qualitative Investigation

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the phenomenon of positive psychological changes experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. This study is a qualitative investigation of PTG experiences among 12 Tibetan refugees residing in Dharmshala, Himachal Pradesh, India. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the narratives of case studies in order to explore various dimensions of PTG experienced by the participants as a result of facing various adversities in their lives. Major themes depicting posttraumatic growth experiences included positive changes in outlook toward the world and people, realization of personal strengths, and the experience of more intimate and meaningful relationships. This study indicates that the cultural worldviews provided necessary thrust and schemas for the PTG. Integrating these factors in health services may encourage positive growth outcomes among Tibetan refugees.

Psychometric analysis of the Chinese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory with cancer patients in Hong Kong and Taiwan

Cancer patients in Hong Kong and Taiwan share traditional Chinese as a written form of language, but each region has its own sociocultural background. This study examined if the four-factor model (self, spiritual, life orientation, and interpersonal) of the Chinese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-C), developed for Hong Kong cancer survivors, could be applied to cancer survivors in Taiwan. Multisample confirmatory factor analyses (MS-CFA) were used to examine the factorial invariance of the PTGI-C among cancer survivors in Taiwan (n = 217) and Hong Kong (n = 223). The goodness-of-fit of the four-factor model was satisfactory, χ²(180) = 372.36 (χ²/df = 2.07), goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 0.90, adjusted GFI (AGFI) = 0.87, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.91, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, Akaike information criterion (AIC) = 492.36. This result suggests that the factor structure of the PTGI-C developed in Hong Kong could be applied to cancer survivors in Taiwan. The internal reliabilities of the 15-item whole scale, as well as all the subscales, were good and similar to those reported previously. Interregion comparison revealed that the Taiwan sample had higher mean 'spiritual' and 'interpersonal' posttraumatic growth subscale scores than the Hong Kong sample. The four-factor model of the PTGI-C is invariant among cancer survivors using traditional Chinese as a written form of the language. The differences in the degree of some posttraumatic growth dimensions may be because of differences in cultural factors and in psychosocial support for cancer patients between the two regions.

Relationship to the Bereaved and Perceptions of Severity of Trauma Differentiate Elements of Posttraumatic Growth

The field of bereavement and grief has been expanding to recognise the potential for growth following the loss of a loved one. This study sought to examine the effect of the relationship to the deceased and perceptions of the severity of the trauma on dimensions of posttraumatic growth. Participants were 146 people who had lost either: a) a first degree relative, b) a second degree relative, or c) a non-related friend. Results demonstrated that both severity and the relationship to the bereaved differentiate posttraumatic growth outcomes. For example, participants who had lost a first degree relative reported higher levels of growth than those who had lost a second degree relative. Consistent with previous research in general trauma populations, the more severe the loss was rated, the higher the levels of growth. Implications for practice are discussed.

Positive Outcomes Following Bereavement: Paths to Posttraumatic Growth

Recent theory and research have drawn attention to the need to better understand the positive changes, termed posttraumatic growth, that often occur in bereaved individuals; even as negative emotions related to grief persist. We describe five dimensions of posttraumatic growth and present a model for understanding how the loss of a close other can eventually lead to a recognition of important positive personal changes. Loss, especially unexpected loss, disrupts an individual's beliefs about the world and initiates a process of rebuilding an understanding. During this process, many people come to realise their own strengths, appreciate the impact of their relationships, and have new spiritual insights. A strategy for facilitating growth during clinical work also is described.

What Does Posttraumatic Growth Mean to Chinese Burn Patients: A Phenomenological Study

The purpose of this research was to explore dimensions of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the population of mainland China and to find out the factors facilitating positive change. Ten patients with severe burn injuries were recruited from a metropolitan hospital in Shanghai. Sampling was purposive; qualitative phenomenological methodology was used to depict the main theme, the data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions. A reflective diary was also kept. The findings are presented under two thematic headings: "process of PTG" and "presentation of PTG." Results indicate that there are commonalities between the Chinese sample and Tedeschi and Calhoun's (Psychol Inq 2004;15:1-18) model of the process and outcomes of PTG. There are some differences; specifically, "for the significant others" is an important facet in the process of PTG; also there is no clear growth of a spiritual or a religious aspect.

A Grounded Theory Approach to Understanding Cultural Differences in Posttraumatic Growth

The last decade has seen a surge of research move away from a pathogenic paradigm of trauma to embrace a positive psychological approach. Research has predominantly used instruments such as the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory to ascertain levels of positive posttrauma change, yielding mixed results across cultures. Addressing a gap in current knowledge, this article uses a grounded theory approach to discover dimensions of posttraumatic growth in an Australian population. Results indicate that there are commonalities between Australian and U.S. populations in the experience of posttraumatic growth and also some differences, specifically in the areas of spirituality, religiosity, and compassion.