Experience Of Personal Growth Research Articles

The relationship between stress and personal growth among women with normal and at-risk pregnancy: the role of rumination and social support

ABSTRACT Pregnancy is a significant period in women’s lives, especially for first-time mothers, that may arouse stress, but concurrently can trigger an experience of personal growth. This study examines the association between perceived stress during pregnancy and personal growth among first-time mothers, exploring the role of intrusive and reflective rumination, and partner and family support in this association, comparing women with normal and at-risk pregnancies. 708 pregnant women in their third trimester responded to self-report questionnaires assessing stress, personal growth, event-related rumination, perceived social support, and sociodemographic characteristics. No differences were found in personal growth between the two study groups. The stress-personal growth relationship was found to be either linear or curvilinear depending on conditions. Perceived support from family moderated the stress-growth association, which was significant only when support was higher, but not when it was lower. The two types of rumination mediated the stress-growth association, so that higher perceived stress was associated with higher rumination, both intrusive and reflective, and this, in turn, was associated with higher growth. The findings shed light on the nature of the relationship between perceived stress and personal growth among first-time mothers, showing that this relationship depends on certain conditions.

Religious coping in parenting a child with Down syndrome: A case study

The aim of this research is to illuminate (a) how religiosity can be manifest in a coping process associated with parenting a child with Down syndrome and (b) the complexity of this coping process in terms of the interdependence of identity, context, religion and coping. Following methods previously used in qualitative psychology of religious studies on religious people coping with cancer, religiosity is mapped out regarding how it is, and has been, manifest during the life before and after becoming a parent to a child with Down syndrome. An in-depth analysis is conducted on how the various manifestations of religiosity play out, and intervene with identity and context, in the process of coping with various challenges associated with parenting a child with Down syndrome. The results show experiences of personal growth regarding identity as well as experiences of spiritual growth. The most dominant religious manifestation associated to the analysed coping processes is the faith community’s various roles. The results are compared with methodologically, and conceptually, similar studies. In comparison with studies on religious people coping with cancer, the role of the faith community is much more dominant in the presented case. It is argued that this might have to do with the differences in nature between stressors associated with the own health/survival and parenting a child with Down syndrome, and it is suggested that the nature of stressors might play an important role when understanding the varieties of religious manifestations in religious coping.

Personal growth during early and advanced pregnancy according to women’s mode of conception

ABSTRACT Background Pregnancy can be a complex and stressful period, especially for women conceiving through fertility treatment, but this can foster the experience of personal growth (PG). Most of the knowledge on women’s PG during pregnancy is based on a single measurement and relates to conceiving achieved through fertility treatments in general. Relying on Schaefer and Moos’s PG model, the current prospective study sought to (1) investigate the differences in PG according to women’s mode of conception (spontaneous; first-line fertility treatment; IVF) and (2) examine the contribution of the mode of conception, perceived stress, self-mastery, and cognitive appraisal (threat, challenge, and self-efficacy) to PG in two phases during pregnancy. Methods Israeli pregnant women (Mean age = 32) recruited through a convenience sample, completed self-report questionnaires twice: the first or second trimester of pregnancy (Phase 1; n = 400) and the third trimester (Phase 2; n = 268). A total of 268 participants completed both assessments. Results Women who conceived through IVF experienced higher PG and lower self-mastery than women who conceived spontaneously. Regression analyses indicated that IVF, being primiparous, lower self-mastery, lower threat appraisal, and higher challenge appraisal were related to greater PG in Phase 1. Only expecting the first child and challenge appraisal predicted women’s PG in Phase 2. Conclusions The study highlights that women who conceive through IVF experience greater PG than other women and the significant role of cognitive appraisal in PG over time during pregnancy. These findings may inform focused-based interventions to enhance women’s mental health during this period.

From the Personal to the Professional

International students in U.S. higher education who pursue work must balance personal and professional pressures while seeking employment. While much attention has been given to their experiences of acculturation, stress, and psychological well being, further work is needed to document experiences of seeking employment. This phenomenological study utilized semi-structured interviews to explore international students’ experiences of personal growth and change, economic pressures, and seeking employment in the US. The results indicate that international students share many of the same experiences of personal change of their domestic counterparts while simultaneously navigating a new cultural context, deal with differing levels and a variety of sources of economic pressure, and navigate barriers to their employment search rooted in the lack of clear information, misaligned support resources, personal shortcomings, employer perceptions, and visa restrictions.

Suggestions on the construction of architectural design major under the background of vocational undergraduate

Against the backdrop of China’s vigorous development of vocational undergraduate education and the urgent need for transformation and upgrading in the construction industry, we conducted random interviews with students from vocational undergraduate colleges in Zhejiang Province that offer architectural design majors. Each school interviewed approximately 2-5 students to conduct in-depth interviews on their motivations for choosing architectural design majors. Using qualitative analysis software to encode and analyze interview data, we found that in the current environment, students’ choice of architectural design major is closely related to the charm of the architectural design major itself, personal career planning, employment considerations, personal growth experiences, and interests. This study will provide a deeper understanding of the expectations of vocational undergraduate colleges for students, which will be more helpful for the development of architectural design majors.

The Impact of Religious Practices on the Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth of Adolescents

Resilience and post-traumatic growth play crucial roles in the development of adolescents, particularly when they encounter diverse obstacles in life. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of religious practices on resilience and experience personal growth after experiencing trauma in adolescents. This research employs a quantitative methodology grounded on a positivist framework. Data were gathered using a simple random sampling method including 218 Muslim teenagers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who had encountered stressful incidents in the preceding year. Statistical analysis was employed to examine the correlation between variables. This research illustrates that religious practices may serve as a substantial source of resilience for teenagers in managing trauma. Engagement in religious activities enhances resilience and fosters healthy development. These findings indicate the need for the amalgamation of spiritual support and psychological therapies to facilitate teenage rehabilitation.

The Path Towards Personal Growth in Spousal Caregiving

Caregiver support is necessary for many long-term ill or disabled people to enable them to live at home. However, the impact of this care relationship on the caregiver is still partly unknown. This article focuses on the process of achieving personal growth in spousal caregiving. The aim of our study was to conduct an integrative literature review to describe the aspects associated with achieving personal growth as well as to analyze the relationship between the aspects involved. The thematic analysis method was used with inductive content classification to modify the themes. The analysis highlighted three main aspect categories connected with achieving personal growth: the means, coping styles, and personal or caregiving resources. In addition, the path from adversities and challenges towards personal growth and positive experiences in spousal caregiving was revealed by analyzing the relationship between the identified aspects. We found that the means, based on social support and self-care, help caregivers to adopt positive coping strategies, reframing, and resilience, which are associated with achieving personal growth. Also, personal or caregiving resources, such as meaningful caring experiences, religiosity, and spirituality, hope, positive personality characteristics, family functioning, and disease severity of the care recipient, were associated with achieving growth. Finally, our findings suggest that it is important to further study the path towards personal growth in spousal caregiving and to find the best possible ways to support caregivers in difficult moments and periods of caregiving.

Experiences of psychedelic drug use among people with psychotic symptoms and disorders: Personal growth and mystical experiences

Experiences of psychedelic drug use among people with psychotic symptoms and disorders: Personal growth and mystical experiences

‘I Can Only Do My Best and Leave the Rest to God”: Religious/Spiritual Coping Strategies of African Nurses in the UK

Research on racism in the workplace has long focused on organizational remedies for this moral problem. Given the acknowledged inadequacies of organizational solutions such as anti-racism training, attention is now turning to how immigrants manage their individual experiences of racism in a western context. Employing an agentic lens, this article describes a qualitative study of 43 African nurses in the UK in which their capacity for withstanding workplace racism is examined. It investigates how participants draw upon a range of religious coping strategies to make sense of and respond to racism. The data indicate that African nurses rely on specific coping strategies at different points in time and across various contexts, adapting their coping approaches to accommodate their personal growth and individual experiences. This underscores the versatility, context-dependency, and temporal aspects of religious coping among immigrants. The study’s findings are particularly interesting given the limited role that religion plays in western organizations.

An accelerated emergence of the self during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: a hermeneutic phenomenological analysis

ABSTRACT While research within positive psychology has demonstrated the potential for growth and flourishing when facing adversity, experiences of psychological growth during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have not yet been investigated. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was used to explore the meaning and experience of personal growth and transformation during the COVID-19 first lockdown phase. Semi-structured interviews, with 49 adults between the ages of 20 and 58 occurred. Five themes emerged across participants: (1) pre-pandemic life as functionally complacent (2) the unexpected loss of coping strategies and familiar rhythms due to lockdown, (3) choice to engage with emotion and discomfort as a means to experience growth, (4) discovering and embracing an authentic sense of self, and (5) integration of the growth through sharing with others. Participants reported that participating in the interview itself was growth-enhancing. The findings of the study are discussed in light of existing AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) theory.

Paths from adverse and benevolent childhood experiences to personal growth after childbirth: The role of psychological distress, social support, and self-compassion.

Dealing with the difficulties and demands of the postpartum period may be distressing for the mother, but it is also an opportunity for her to experience personal growth. One factor that may contribute to this growth is the mother's childhood experiences. Using a prospective study design, and based on Belsky's parenting model and personal growth theory, we examined the direct and indirect contribution of mothers' adverse and benevolent childhood experiences and their current psychological distress, self-compassion, and social support to their personal growth following childbirth and motherhood. A convenience sample of 392 women was recruited through social media and participated in the study about 16 weeks after childbirth (Phase 1) and again 6-10 months postpartum (Phase 2). The direct effects of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences on personal growth were not significant. However, multiple significant paths of indirect associations were found through psychological distress, self-compassion, and social support. To understand the roots of the mother's personal growth, researchers and clinicians alike should not only explore her personal resources, but also the primary processes that contribute to the creation of those resources, that is, childhood experiences. Addressing the mother's childhood experiences may help her to better understand the connections between the past and the present, and to identify the implications of her "ghosts and angels" for her mental state, personal resources, and experience of personal growth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Experiences of Burnout, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Organisational Support in Police Officers Working in Specialised Units: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Repeated exposure to traumatogenic material is a part of every working day for police officers in specialist units, such as forensic scene investigation and digital forensic analysis, with recent years marking an increase in its volume and intensity (Office for National Statistics (2018). While this may be considered a price paid for choosing to pursue careers in these areas, it is likely to have a significant impact on a professional and personal level, with psychological and physical effects extending beyond the individual’s working hours (Burns et al. in Traumatology 14:20–31, 2008). On the other hand, this important work may contribute to elements of growth and self-development, recognised in existing literature as post-traumatic growth (Tedschi and Calhoun in SAGE Publications, Inc, 1995). The present study adopted a qualitative approach to understanding the lived experiences of seven digital forensic analysts and two forensic scene investigators. Semi-structured interviews explored the impact of their work, as well as their coping strategies and perceived organisational support. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), the study yielded rich personal accounts and identified three superordinate themes: “The effects are inevitable”, “Creating a safe environment”, and “Sense of responsibility and personal growth”. Participants described the inevitable effects of their work, along with their coping strategies developed in response to these. Furthermore, participants considered the safety of their work environment and relationships with their colleagues, while also reflecting on their experience of personal growth through their exposure to adversity. Findings are discussed in relation to theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research.

Positive Aspects of Caregiving from the Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study

ABSTRACT Functioning as a family or friend caregiver can be burdensome, but many caregivers also find positive aspects to the experience. The Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study sought to examine the positive aspects of caregiving for caregivers to older adults. This qualitative descriptive study involved an online qualitative survey. The researcher-developed survey asked three specific questions. We report in this paper the findings from our analysis of the survey question: “What do you find is positive about your caregiving role?” We analyzed 350 responses to this question using content analysis. The main categories of positive aspects identified by participants were related to the (1) rewards of caregiving; (2) having the ability and opportunity to care; (3) ensuring quality care for the care recipient; and (4) the experience of personal growth through being a caregiver. As well, a fifth category was included to encompass responses from participants who stated that caregiving was not a positive experience. By gathering caregivers’ perspectives on the positive aspects of caregiving, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers can tailor services and initiatives to facilitate and enhance positivity in the caregiving role.

Parkinson's Disease Carepartners' Perceptions of the Challenges and Rewards of Caregiving.

Multiple debilitating symptoms and the progressive nature of Parkinson's disease (PD) affect carepartners' quality of life. Although, there is abundant knowledge on caregiver burden there is limited knowledge on PD carepartners' perceptions of caregiving. To understand family members' perception of their role, and of the challenges and rewards of PD caregiving. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with current and former PD carepartners (n = 16). Interviews were audio-recorded, de-identified, and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded and analyzed to identify themes. We identified 5 themes: (a) Unpredictability is the hardest part of caregiving. It was hard to cope with the unpredictable daily and longer-term fluctuations in PD symptoms; (b) Disease progression and multiple symptoms contribute to carepartners' emotional distress. Carepartners felt unprepared and were saddened by the patient's and their own losses; (c) Caring for a family member is not a "burden." Though stressful, carepartners resisted associating caregiving with the term "burden"; (d) Caregiving is a partnership. Carepartners saw their role as being less of "givers" and more of partners in disease management; and (e) Caregiving is an opportunity for personal satisfaction, joy, and growth. Caregiving was seen as a "gift" that enabled carepartners to express love and experience personal growth. Despite challenges PD carepartners view their role as "partners" in the management of the disease and find meaning and strength in caregiving. A palliative care approach emphasizing the positives and challenges of caregiving may provide carepartners with better support.

N12 The Experience of Post-traumatic Growth Process in Newly Diagnosed Chinese Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Abstract Background The impact of Crohn’s disease (CD) is not purely negative, it may become an opportunity for patients to undergo positive psychological adjustments and achieve personal growth. To date there has been limited in-depth research to understand the patients’ experiences of post-traumatic growth (PTG) process following an CD diagnosis using a qualitative study with a longitudinal perspective. Methods A longitudinal qualitative design was adopted. Sixteen newly diagnosed Chinese patients with CD were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on three occasions: 3, 6 and 12 months post-diagnosis. Data were collected between November 2021 and December 2022. Data analysis of each time point was based on conventional content analysis. Afterwards, all data were combined for a comprehensive re-analysis to capture change. Results Four themes and fifteen sub-themes were formed through analysis (table 1). The process of PTG was shown in Figure 1. Within the first year post-diagnosis, patients with CD experienced considerable physical discomforts and psychological distress. Their personal development was also limited. With increased disease knowledge, and driven by a strong sense of responsibility and external support, the patients’ disease acceptance transformed from "difficult to accept" to "have to accept" to "should accept" then to "be able to accept". Living with CD, they actively engaged in monitoring disease condition, cooperating with treatment, exploring patterns of flare-ups, relieving stress and focusing on problem solving to eliminate negative emotions, and regaining hope and positively planning for future. Over time, the impact of CD on the patients’ lives became smaller, they integrated their disease as a part of themselves, and achieved personal growth. This growth was manifested by "developing closer relationships with others", "increasing personal strength", "changing in life philosophy" and "emerging new possibilities". Overall, as disease duration increased, the disease related sufferings diminished, and CD patients’ disease acceptance improved. In addition, as time goes by, the patients’ ability to self-manage disease enhanced, and their experience of personal growth increased. Conclusion The process of PTG in patients with CD within the first year of diagnosis primarily consists of four stages: "enduring hardships", "accepting illness", "living with illness", and "achieving personal growth". This growth was not linear, but rather cyclical. Nurses could provide targeted guidance to patients based on the trajectory identified in this study, helping them unearth inner resources and create conditions for PTG.

Contribution of personal and community resources to personal growth of mothers from Israel and Turkey

ABSTRACT Aims The transition to parenthood is considered one of the most important milestones in a person’s life, bringing with it various changes and challenges. One possible outcome of such a life-altering and stressful event is the experience of personal growth (PG). This study examines the contribution of a mother’s personal resources (emotion regulation strategies, resilience) and environmental resources (sense of community) to her PG following the transition to motherhood, taking into account the role played by ethnicity. Methods Data was collected from 402 Israeli Arab, Israeli Jewish, and Turkish first-time mothers of babies up to twenty-four months old. Results It was found that Israeli Arab mothers reported significantly higher expressive suppression and PG than the other two groups. In addition, Israeli Arab mothers scored significantly higher on resilience, and Israeli Jewish mothers scored significantly higher on sense of community, than Turkish mothers. After controlling for mother and baby background variables, cognitive reappraisal and sense of community were found to predict PG. Two interactions emerged: higher sense of community was related to greater PG only among Israeli Arab mothers; and a positive association between resilience and growth was found only among Israeli Jewish mothers. The results are discussed in relation to the literature. Conclusion Personal and environmental resources contribute differently to growth of first-time mothers in different cultures. Thus, rather than implementing the same type of intervention in all cultures, appropriate interventions should be tailored for each culture in accordance with its unique characteristics.

"Anxiety or enjoyment, I feel pleasant to welcome them both": thematic analysis of a Chinese PhD student's personal growth experiences.

Engaging with research is an emotionally demanding experience and a trajectory full of difficulties, challenges, and stress. This autoethnographic study explored my personal experiences as a PhD student in a four-year program and conducted a qualitative thematic analysis by analyzing 550 research diary entries collected between September 2018 and June 2022, in which supervisor feedback and reviewer comments were part of the content. Three recurring, unique, and salient themes pertaining to my personal experiences were identified: being fraught with anxiety, gaining a sense of enjoyment, and achieving personal growth. Whereas anxiety was from publication and dissertation writing, foreign language writing, and individual stressors, enjoyment was gained from the support network and conducting research. My personal growth was reflected from sustained engagement and improved autonomy. In the process, I experienced some negative emotions, but found more enjoyment. The findings indicate that anxiety and enjoyment are fluctuating, co-occurring, and reciprocal. The findings call for more attention to the role of research diary writing in scaffolding PhD research, providing emotional support, and facilitating personal growth and well-being of PhD students.

THE COMPLEMENTARY ROLE AND IMPACT OF WORKSHOPS ON STUDENTS IN FASHION DESIGN EDUCATION AT AMITY UNIVERSITY GWALIOR

In the realm of higher education, where academic pursuits intersect with market dynamics, the intrinsic value of fundamental design principles becomes pronounced. This is particularly pertinent in disciplines like fashion design, where students are immersed in a distinctive and specialized learning environment to bolster their efficacy and proficiency. Amidst this backdrop, workshops have emerged as a pivotal cornerstone within fashion design education, recognized universally as an imperative priority. Modern education calls for innovative approaches, and workshops epitomize this evolution. Their significance extends beyond traditional pedagogical methods, offering students a platform to not only comprehend theoretical concepts but also apply them in practical, industry-relevant contexts. These workshops foster a dynamic learning atmosphere, aligning education with the ever-evolving demands of the market. One of their key advantages lies in facilitating direct interaction between students and industry experts, bridging the chasm between academia and real-world design scenarios. This study delves into the essence of workshops as a complementary facet of fashion design studies, with a specific focus on those conducted at the renowned Amity School of Fashion Design and Technology in Gwalior. At its core, the study seeks to unravel the multifaceted aspects surrounding workshops, exploring their necessity, importance, and transformative impact. To embark on this exploration, the research methodology employs a comprehensive and multifarious approach. It encompasses quantitative data collection techniques, through likert scale meticulously analyzing the objective, outcomes, and feedback derived from design students who actively participated in these workshops. The results of this study illuminate a significant gap in traditional fashion design education—a gap that workshops seamlessly fill. These dynamic learning experiences empower students with practical skills and insights that transcend conventional classroom instruction. The findings underscore the symbiotic relationship between workshops and holistic learning, as students' personal and professional growth experiences an unprecedented upswing. Furthermore, the study captures the resounding endorsement from students themselves, as their feedback substantiates the pivotal role of workshops in enhancing their educational journey.In essence, this study bridges the theoretical-practical divide that often hampers comprehensive education. It spotlights the transformative potential of workshops, redefining their status from peripheral add-ons to integral components of the educational framework. By spotlighting the case of Amity School of Fashion Design and Technology in Gwalior, the study provides a template for educational institutions worldwide to infuse innovation, relevance, and efficacy into their curriculum through the strategic integration of workshops.

Investigating determinants of middle-aged and elderly users' video-creating intention on short-video platforms from a lifespan development perspective

PurposeMiddle-aged and elderly users become an important group on short-video platforms, however, the research on determinants of their video-creating intention is limited. Based on lifespan development theories, this study examines the impact of aging experiences on their video-creating intention, considering internal generative motivations as mediators and age as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachTo test this study’s hypotheses, survey data from 321 Chinese middle-aged and elderly short-video users were collected and partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyze these data.FindingsMiddle-aged and elderly users' aging experiences of social loss and personal growth are positively related to their video-creating intention. Aging experiences (i.e. physical loss, social loss, and personal growth) are positively related to internal generative motivations (i.e. need to be needed and symbolic immortality), and need to be needed is positively related to video-creating intention. Via the mediation of need to be needed, physical loss and personal growth are indirectly positively related to video-creating intention. Personal growth strengthens the relationship between physical loss and symbolic immortality, but weakens the associations of social loss with need to be needed and symbolic immortality. Age weakens the relationship between symbolic immortality and video-creating intention.Originality/valueThis study is the first wave to introduce and integrate lifespan theories such as selective optimization with compensation model, socioemotional selectivity theory, and generativity theory to explore the impacts of aging experiences on middle-aged and elderly users' video-creating intention by considering generativity motivations as mediators and age as a moderator.

Community arts engagement supports perceptions of personal growth in older adults

PurposeThe effects of arts engagement on older adults have been well-documented. However, the ways older adults overcome common situational and dispositional barriers to enhance personal growth and well-being are less known. MethodsFifty-six community dwelling older adults (71.3 ± 4.6 years) took part in dance, music, or a control workshop two times/week for ten weeks. Participants' personal growth was examined through focus groups and surveys in this mixed-methods study. ResultsFocus group and survey results revealed participants experienced personal growth through engaging in the dance and music arms of the experiment. Participants, especially those in arts workshops, described personal growth experiences aligning with four themes: increased social connections, developed new skills, utilized a growth mindset, and used creativity to overcome situational and dispositional barriers to participation. The barriers included musculoskeletal challenges, hearing impairments, and difficulty retaining new information. ConclusionsThe study yielded high adherence and retention rates, and participants reported increased engagement within their communities. Our observations provide avenues for future practitioners and facilitators to create programming that empowers older adults and utilizes participants' ongoing feedback to support access, inclusion, and sense of community.