Domains Of Posttraumatic Growth Research Articles

The Positive Legacy of Vision Loss: Pathways to Posttraumatic Growth

This mixed method study describes posttraumatic growth (PTG) accruing form experience with vision loss caused by severe age related macular degeneration (AMD) and explores relationships between depression, social support, and cognitive processing, on the path to PTG. Research describing the psychological and social issues surrounding AMD has focused on negative outcomes. However, learning from highly challenging experiences, such as vision loss, can offer benefits. In this study, these included an increased sense of personal strength, increased spirituality, and empathy for others (all domains of PTG). 89 participants with severe vision loss (mean age = 85.3 years, age range = 74–98 years) completed the interviewer-administered composite questionnaire, which identified elements of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s model of PTG. Relationships between variables were examined using path analysis. Findings were contextualized with data from 15 qualitative interviews. Findings underscored the importance of supportive others and deliberate cognitive processing in the path to PTG.

Posttraumatic growth following aphasia: a prospective cohort study of the first year post-stroke

ABSTRACT Background Notable positive change arising from the struggle with a major crisis (known as posttraumatic growth – PTG) has been reported following war, accidents and life-threatening illnesses. Whilst negative changes following aphasia are well-documented, positive changes, such as PTG, have not been sufficiently explored. Aims To determine whether people with aphasia can experience PTG throughout their first year post-stroke both quantitatively (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) and qualitatively (video-taped open-ended interviews). Methods & Procedures Thirteen people with a first incidence of aphasia were assessed at four points in the first year, using a prospective longitudinal cohort study design. Outcomes & Results On the PTG Inventory, there were no significant differences in the mean total score nor in the five posttraumatic growth domains at each stage, although there was a trend to greater growth over time, particularly in relationships, appreciation of life and personal growth. Reflective comments reinforce this evidence and indicate the importance of post-aphasia relationships, enhanced positive traits, a greater appreciation of life and a changed sense of what is important. Conclusions It is apparent that some participants can experience PTG and are redefining themselves positively. Strategies to promote the development of PTG in parallel with other therapeutic tools are detailed.

The role of peer support in psychosocial outcomes among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors.

e22528 Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYA) who experienced cancer treatment sometimes show posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and yet report positive psychological changes, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Literature suggests PTSS and PTG are not on opposite ends of a single spectrum but rather coexist. It is expected to have distinct relationships with social support, and yet, the roles of peer support remain unknown. This study examines PTG and PTSS, and their correlates with peer support among AYA cancer survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire survey with AYA cancer survivors. A total of 212 AYA survivors were recruited from 11 cancer centers and 12 cancer patients’ communities. They completed a self-report measure of the PTG Inventory and the Impact of Event Scale revised (IES-R) to assess PTSS. Diagnosis, treatment, peer support (i.e., affiliation to AYA patients’ community and friendship with other AYA cancer patients), and social status information was also collected from questionnaires. A series of multiple regression analyses was used to identify significant correlates among peer support, PTG and PTSS. Results: PTG and PTSS were not significantly correlated with each other, being consistent with the previous studies. PTG was positively associated with male gender, years since diagnosis, good communication with others, and friendship with other AYA cancer patients. Friendship with other AYA cancer patients was positively associated with not just the overall PTG but all five domains of PTG. PTSS was associated with years since diagnosis, unemployed status, and symptom of late effects. PTSS was, however, unlike PTG, not related with friendship with other AYA cancer patients or affiliation to AYA patients’ community. Conclusions: Good communication and friendship with other AYA cancer patients is suggested to play an important role in PTG but not PTSS. Psychosocial intervention to facilitate peer support among AYA cancer patients would possibly contribute to revive their lives through PTG. Future studies should further investigate what factors would contribute to alleviation of PTSS and foster PTG. Clinical trial information: UMIN000035439.

The integral role of relationships in experiences of complex trauma in sex trafficking survivors

Purpose Human sex trafficking is a global rights violation prevalent nationally and globally. This study aims to contribute to the limited research conducted directly with survivors with the goal of building sustainable aftercare from their feedback. Design/methodology/approach For this qualitative, retrospective study, 15 adult female survivors completed open-ended interviews, took photos and participated in online focus groups to explore identity, sexuality, relationships and factors of community reintegration. Data analysis included multi-level conceptual and thematic coding. Findings Participants identified with all aspects of complex trauma and domains of post-traumatic growth. Participants highlighted relationship development as the primary source of healing and growth, emphasizing the value of peer-based support and survivor leadership. Research limitations/implications The findings affirm the need for ecological and relational perspectives in care of survivors and approaches using a trauma-informed, victim-centered lens. Findings affirm the value of understanding the nuances of complex trauma as well as celebrating the capacity for post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, while relationships are most significantly impacted from the trafficking experience, they are also considered the greatest instrument of healing, offering long-term commitment and belief in the individual. This research excluded males and international trafficking survivors. Participants were recruited through service organizations, and many participants are active in advocacy work, which may hinder generalizable data for all trafficking survivors. Finally, this study did not distinguish data between geographic location or range or length of time since exiting trafficking. Originality/value This study highlights the voices of survivors throughout research design and data findings. Their lived experiences provide key recommendations for interaction and intervention. Data include rich expression through photography.

“HIV Is a Gift”: Posttraumatic Growth in Women With HIV

Given the universally high rates of trauma in women living with HIV and the positive health benefits associated with posttraumatic growth, recognizing how posttraumatic growth is expressed in words by women with HIV has important application to clinicians working with this population. This study examined qualitative narratives from a women’s HIV support group to look for spontaneous statements and comments that corresponded to the five domains of posttraumatic growth identified by Tedeschi and Calhoun. Participants in this study described how their lives had been transformed, consistent with posttraumatic growth, into what was described as a “gift.” Implications for clinical practice are offered.

Relationships among optimism, pessimism, and posttraumatic growth in the US and Japan: Focusing on varying patterns of perceived stressfulness

Posttraumatic growth (PTG), perceived positive changes resulting from highly stressful life experiences, can vary as a function of personality characteristics. Past research shows mixed findings on the relationship between PTG and optimism. The current study examined how the relationships among optimism, pessimism, and PTG differ across varying patterns of stressfulness in two nations. In a cross-sectional survey, American (n = 464) and Japanese (n = 282) undergraduates identified a highly stressful event they experienced within the past five years and completed a series of questionnaires. Three meaningful clusters (i.e., Recovery, Chronic Stress, and Low Stress) emerged based on retrospective and current reports of stressfulness. Results from multi-group analyses demonstrated that optimism predicted higher PTG among both Americans and Japanese in the Chronic Stress group, but solely among Americans in the Recovery group. Pessimism did not have consistently significant associations across PTG domains for Americans or Japanese in any cluster. Findings suggest that PTG and Recovery are distinct processes; people can experience PTG even in the absence of a Recovery pattern. Furthermore, optimism appears to be a more consistent predictor for Americans than for Japanese, and pessimism does not appear to be influential for PTG in either nation.

“It’s Brought Me a Lot Closer to Who I Am”: A Mixed Methods Study of Posttraumatic Growth and Positive Change Following a First Episode of Psychosis

Background: A first episode of psychosis is often a traumatic experience that may also lead to positive change, a phenomenon that has received little attention. This knowledge gap may impede service providers’ capacity to foster positive change among service users. Objective: To investigate aspects of positive change among persons receiving early intervention services for psychosis. Design: The study objective was addressed using a mixed methods convergent design, which entailed simultaneously employing qualitative and quantitative methods. Setting: This study was conducted at a specialized early intervention service for psychosis based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Participants: Participants included service users receiving services at an early intervention service for psychosis. Participants had to be fluent in English or French, be clinically stable enough to take part in the study, and have received at least 6 months of treatment. Participants were conveniently sampled in the quantitative component and purposefully sampled in the qualitative component. The quantitative component was carried out using a cross-sectional survey design. Ninety-four participants completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, a widely used measure of positive change. Data on the extent and domains of posttraumatic growth were summarized using descriptive statistics. The qualitative component was carried out using a qualitative descriptive approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings from both components were integrated using a weaving method in the discussion section. Results: Quantitative results indicated that most participants reported a moderate amounts of posttraumatic growth. A greater appreciation of life was the most commonly endorsed domain, whereas spiritual growth was the least commonly endorsed domain. The qualitative results revealed that in addition to suffering, participants experienced positive changes, such as improved health and personality, and a stronger sense of self; stronger, more balanced religiosity and spirituality; improved relationships with others; and improved lifestyles, goals, and expectations for the future. Conclusions: Positive change may be a common phenomenon in the aftermath of first episode psychosis. The study findings may provide hope to those who have experienced a first episode of psychosis and can inform efforts by early intervention services to provide recovery-oriented, growth-focused care.

Violation and hope: Refugee survival in childhood and beyond.

The psychological complexity of refugee status for children is poorly understood. Alone or with family members, child refugees are exposed to multiple and potentially traumatic events, including conflict and human rights deprivation in their country of origin, perilous and life-threatening escape journeys, years of statelessness, and isolation and discrimination in their new host country. This phenomenological study explored the positive and negative interpretations of four adults as they sought to make sense of their experiences of refugee status as children. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) guided the development of semi-structured interview for data collection and analysis. One superordinate theme, Violation and Hope, overarched three subordinate themes, Violent detachment, Refugee identity, and Resourcefulness and reciprocity. One divergent theme also emerged: Clashing identities. These themes provide unique insight into the interpreted experiences of escaping oppression and persecution in each participant's country of origin as children, and the ensuing bleak interval as refugees, belonging nowhere. They identify the risk of becoming pawns of opportunism without human rights protection. Once stateless, survival was not guaranteed, producing a stark merging of acceptance of mortality and determined resourcefulness as children. Avoidant coping became a positive tool for surviving ever present threat, and was crucial in defining a life philosophy that was future oriented as they entered adulthood. These participants rejected a 'refugee victim' identity, emphasising a legacy of resourcefulness, hope, gratitude and reciprocity, domains of post-traumatic growth which are unreported aspects of refugee well-being that can provide future therapeutic and research direction.

Curvilinear relationship between disaster exposure and psychological growth:10 years after the Wenchuan earthquake

The extent of disaster exposure is a crucial predictor of both negative and constructive changes influenced by natural disasters. Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the typical psychological growth that is defined by significant changes for the better in self-view, relationships, and life philosophy as a result of exposure to a traumatic incident. However, findings of previous studies examining the effects of disaster exposure on PTG are inconsistent. The primary aim of this study was to re-examine the nature of the association between the extent of disaster exposure and PTG in a sample of 1,000 adult survivors of the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake (occurred in 2008) over 10 years ago in China. The results indicated that, after controlling for the effects of demographic factors (i.e., gender, age, residential area site, and marital status) and socioeconomic status (i.e., educational background and annual household income), disaster exposure showed weak linear but strong inverted U-shaped relationships with different PTG domains. In other words, participants who had been exposed to low or high levels of disaster showed low levels of PTG, while those exposed to moderate levels of disaster exhibited high levels of PTG. The result of the study not only enhanced current understanding of the consequences of disaster exposure but also outlined a long-term support system for post-disaster construction activities.

A Qualitative Examination of Post-Traumatic Growth in Multiply Body Modified Adults

ABSTRACTThis work is based on data from a qualitative research study of multiply body modified individuals in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Participant narratives produced emergent findings of significant life stress, and traumatic events, in the lives of multiply body modified individual. The following publication provides original data regarding the domains of post-traumatic growth as expressed by multiply body modified individuals in their life narrative. Of the five domains (new paths, personal strength, appreciation, increased spirituality, and closer relationships) the most frequent that was reflected in their body modification was an increased sense of personal strength.

Perceptions of Change after a Trauma and Perceived Posttraumatic Growth: A Prospective Examination.

Recent research has distinguished between actual posttraumatic growth (PTG) and perceived PTG. We used a prospective research design to measure both actual and perceived PTG in an attempt to replicate and extend previous findings. We examined college students (N = 64) who experienced a traumatic event between the start (Time 1) and end (Time 2) of a semester. We included three measures of change from pre- to post-trauma: (1) Actual PTG (change scores in measures of PTG domains), (2) perceived general growth (Time 2 ratings of functioning at Time 1 subtracted from actual ratings given at Time 1), and (3) perceived PTG (self-reports of PTG on the posttraumatic growth inventory). The results revealed perceived general growth and actual PTG were significantly correlated, suggesting that participants’ perceptions of change were accurate. However, perceived PTG was not significantly related to either actual PTG or perceived general growth. Further, increases in actual PTG and perceived general growth were significantly related to decreases in distress and unrelated to coping. By contrast, higher levels of perceived PTG were significantly related to increases in distress and higher levels of avoidance coping. Our results suggest perceived PTG may be more of a coping process than an accurate recall of posttraumatic change.

Posttraumatic growth in bereaved family members of patients with cancer: a qualitative analysis.

The death of a loved one has great impact on family members even when the death was expected. While negative changes are reported, some individuals also report personal growth, known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Many studies on PTG have been performed using quantitative methods and suggest that PTG may differ according to the traumatic event and cultural background. This study aimed to explore how Japanese bereaved family members of patients with cancer express their experience of PTG after the patient's death by analyzing open-ended answers provided in a cross-sectional survey. Qualitative data were collected through a survey, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The present study was part of a larger cross-sectional survey of bereaved families of patients with cancer. Data analyzed in the current study were obtained from 162 bereaved family members of patients with cancer. We identified 18 sub-themes within five predefined major domains of PTG. Moreover, we also identified two additional themes: changed view of life and death, and awareness of health management. The experience of PTG of bereaved family members varied considerably. Future research on PTG experiences among groups from diverse cultural backgrounds would be beneficial for understanding the concept and its clinical implications.

The role of post-traumatic growth in promoting healthy behavior for couples coping with cancer.

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) could be beneficial to cancer survivors who translate growth cognitions or emotional processes into positive behavior changes. The current study aimed to determine how post-traumatic growth (PTG) is associated with health behaviors in couples coping with cancer. Specifically, five hypothetical models based on PTG domains were created to better understand the dyadic relationship between PTG domain and health behaviors. A total of 91 breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivor-spouse dyads were collected from the University Hospital Registry in Cleveland, Ohio. Standardized questions regarding PTG and health behaviors including eating and exercise were used. The actor-partner interdependence model with the use of structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze dyadic data. Findings indicated that survivor actor effects of PTG on health behaviors were observed for survivors only. In the spiritual change and appreciation of life PTG models, the survivor or the spouse partner effects were observed, respectively. The spiritual change model produced the best fit of all of the other models, indicating both a survivor actor effect and survivor partner effect of spiritual change PTG on health behaviors. Thus, the relationships between PTG and health behavior at the dyadic level differed by five domains of PTG. The findings reveal valuable insight into the nature of relationships between PTG and health behaviors at the individual and dyadic levels. The changed philosophies of life for cancer survivor-spouse dyads can specifically encourage healthy behaviors of couples coping with cancer.

Posttraumatic growth profiles and their relationships with HEXACO personality traits

People sometimes realize personal growth as a result of experiencing highly challenging stressful life events, a phenomenon referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study investigated the relationships between personality traits and PTG from a person-centered approach. Specifically, we investigated PTG profiles by looking at distinct levels of the five PTG domains, Personal Strength, Relating to Others, New Possibilities, Appreciation of Life, and Spiritual and Existential Changes, using latent profile analysis. In Study 1, we identified five latent patterns of PTG profiles. In Study 2, we examined the replicability of the PTG profiles by applying the expanded version of the PTG Inventory and tested their relations with the HEXACO personality inventory. The structures of PTG profiles were replicated and the profile showed differential patterns of relationships with personality. Implications of this study, and the applicability of PTG profiles and the use of person-centered approaches for studying PTG are discussed.

Randomized controlled trial of SecondStory, an intervention targeting posttraumatic growth, with bereaved adults.

People often report positive psychological changes after adversity, a phenomenon known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Few PTG-focused interventions have been rigorously tested, and measurement strategies have had significant limitations. This study evaluated the effects of a new group-format psychosocial intervention, SecondStory, aimed at facilitating PTG by helping participants make meaning of the past and plan a purposeful future. In a randomized controlled trial, adults (N = 112, 64% women) bereaved within 5 years were randomly assigned to SecondStory or an active control, expressive writing. The primary outcome, PTG, was measured using two contrasting methods: the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, which asks participants retrospectively how much they believe they have changed due to struggling with adversity, and the Current-Standing Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, which tracks quantifiable change in participants' standing in PTG domains over time. Secondary outcomes included depression symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and life satisfaction. Outcomes were measured at 2-week intervals: pretest, posttest, and three follow-up occasions. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to assess whether SecondStory participants experienced greater gains in primary and/or secondary outcomes over the 8-week trial. Results indicated that SecondStory participants did not show significantly greater improvements than control participants on measures of PTG, posttraumatic stress, or life satisfaction, but they did show greater decreases in depression symptoms by the first follow-up. These findings suggest that SecondStory may not facilitate PTG more effectively than existing interventions but may be promising for addressing depression. Positive interventions may productively be refined to support people experiencing trauma and loss. (PsycINFO Database Record

The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: A Revision Integrating Existential and Spiritual Change.

Spiritual Change (SC) is one of 5 domains of posttraumatic growth (PTG). The current Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) assesses this area of growth with only 2 items, one focusing on religiosity and the other focusing on spiritual understanding. The addition of 4 newly developed spiritual-existential change (SEC) items, creating an expanded PTGI (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-X), reflects a diversity of perspectives on spiritual-existential experiences that are represented in different cultures. Samples were obtained from 3 countries: the United States (n = 250), Turkey (n = 502), and Japan (n = 314). Analyses indicated that the newly added items capture additional experiences of growth outside traditional religious concepts, yet still are correlated with the original SC items, especially in the U.S. and Turkish samples. Relationships of the PTGI-X to established predictors of PTG, event-related rumination, and core beliefs, were as predicted in all 3 countries. The new 6-item SEC factor demonstrated high internal reliability, and the 5-factor structure of the expanded scale was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The resulting 25-item PTGI-X can be used as a validated instrument in a wide range of samples in which traditional religious beliefs are less dominant.

Children's Experience of Posttraumatic Growth: Distinguishing General from Domain-Specific Correlates.

Although the five domains of posttraumatic growth (new possibilities, relating to others, personal strength, spiritual change and appreciation of life) have been studied extensively in adults, little is known about these domains and their correlates in children. We aimed to examine whether demographic and/or social characteristics are related to children’s reports of overall posttraumatic growth and of growth in specific domains. In a general population study, children aged 8–12 years who had been exposed to adverse events (N = 1290) filled out questionnaires on their experiences, demographic characteristics (gender, age, time lag since event), stress reactions, peer support, religiosity and posttraumatic growth. All demographic and social characteristics were related to overall posttraumatic growth, except time lag. Associations varied across the five domains with the strongest effects being found for stress reactions and religiosity. A higher level of stress reactions was related to more growth in all domains (general effect), whereas religious children experienced more spiritual growth than non-religious children without differences on other domains (domain specific effect). Other effects were small, and some did not remain significant after Bonferroni corrections. These findings suggest the presence of both general and domain-specific correlates of child posttraumatic growth. Although effects were generally small, the current findings show the need to differentiate between the domains of posttraumatic growth in both further research and clinical practice. This will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms of posttraumatic growth in children as well as more tailored assessment and intervention.

Posttraumatic growth and religion in Rwanda: individual well-being vs. collective false consciousness

Some scholars include changes in spirituality, such as a greater commitment to their religious beliefs or an enhanced understanding of spiritual matters, in the definition of posttraumatic growth; others conclude that questions of spirituality should be excluded from this definition. This article highlights the fundamental difference of religion to other domains of posttraumatic growth because religions are ideologies (and other domains of growth are not). As ideologies, it is argued that religions can affect different levels of identity in different ways. Based on testimonial evidence from Rwandan genocide survivors, the article demonstrates that although religious beliefs can bring existential comfort at the individual level, they can also lead to a state of false consciousness at the collective level. In Rwanda, the dominant religious ideology facilitated the spiritual and moral climate in which genocide became possible. Today, religious interpretations of the Rwandan Patriotic Front's (RPF) leadership provide spiritual backing to a government which has become increasingly authoritarian.

Relationships of Posttraumatic Growth and Stress Responses in Bereaved Young Adults

The present study examined posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its associations with stress responses in bereaved young adults. It was hypothesized that the PTG domains that are more strongly endorsed among the bereaved would show an inverted-U-shaped relationship with stress responses. Japanese undergraduate students who reported their loss of loved ones as the most traumatic experience within the past 5 years completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the revised Impact of Event Scale. Results revealed that the hypothesized curvilinear relationships were observed in the PTG domain of relating to others and the combined domain of spiritual change and appreciation of life, whereas linear relationships were found in the personal strength and new possibilities domains. These results suggest that although a certain level of stress response may be crucial for experiencing PTG, the relationship varies across the PTG domains in these bereaved young adults.

Cross-National and Religious Relationships With Posttraumatic Growth

Posttraumatic growth (PTG)—positive changes experienced as a result of psychological struggle with highly challenging life circumstances—generally correlates with greater religiosity and optimism, and often shows gender and cross-national differences. The current study examined the relationship of national background and religion with PTG, as well as individual differences variables (i.e., optimism, pessimism, and gender) and individuals’ appraisal or perceptions of the event (i.e., whether the event was perceived as having a direct or indirect impact, and whether the event was perceived as deliberate or accidental). American and Japanese college students identified a highly stressful life event and completed the PTG Inventory and the revised Life Orientation Test. Results showed that national background and religiosity (religious affiliation and strengths of religious beliefs) predicted the level of overall PTG. In addition to the national and religious associations, gender and optimism had positive associations with PTG. The role of individual differences variables and perceptions of the triggering event varied cross-nationally across the PTG domains. Limitations and future directions are discussed.