Experience Of Posttraumatic Growth Research Articles

Post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis.

This study aimed to systematically incorporate the post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients and furnish insights for the formulation of targeted psychological care measures. The search period we were ranged from establishing the database to February 2024. We systematically searched four Chinese databases and seven English databases. The focus was on collecting qualitative research literature regarding the post-traumatic growth experience of breast cancer patients. Literature was screened and analyzed using Endnote20 software. Quality evaluation was conducted using the authenticity evaluation criteria (2016 edition) recommended by the JBI. The results were synthesized utilizing the meta-integration methodology established by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and adhered to the reporting standards delineated in the PRISMA checklist, as well as the ENTREQ reporting guidelines. This study encompassed 11 studies, from which 42 themes and 68 sub-themes were extracted. Similar research findings were categorized into 11 new classifications, leading to the formulation of four integrative conclusions: self-reconstruction, enhancement of spirituality and religious beliefs, appreciation of the new philosophy of life, and transformations associated with others. Medical professionals should possess a precise comprehension of the concept of post-traumatic growth, and actively encourage patients to engage in deliberate rumination, facilitate emotional release, support effective coping strategies, enhance social support systems, foster post-traumatic growth in patients, and promote their overall well-being. Systematic review registration: CRD42024519850.

The Break-up Experience of Romantic Relationship and Post-traumatic Growth Among Vicenarian Adults

This paper explains the breakup experiences of romantic relationships, coping strategies, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among vicenarian adults. It employed a qualitative-based research design using a phenomenological method. Snowball and purposive sampling methods were used to select seven participants with a background of romantic relationship breakup experience within two years. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect participant data, and data were analyzed using a thematic analysis procedure. This study found that romantic relationships included understanding of love, utmost happiness in love, and need in love. In contrast, breakups indicated decision-making, emotional impact, and self-blame. Besides, the result also reported that the coping methods involved emotional engagement and acceptance state (duration taken to overcome the emotions). After a romantic relationship breakup, self-growth was found more in personal strength, close relationships, new possibilities, spiritual development, and greater appreciation of life as PTG implications. The findings concluded that breakup-experienced participants coped through the grief process and enhanced their self-growth. This study helped to create awareness among society to view their grief as a growth-oriented process.

Social Support Protects Against the Negative Psychological Impacts of Death Anxiety, and Depression on Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Patients.

People living with cancer may experience death anxiety and depression which may impact their experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Social support is a psychosocial resource that protects against negative psychological outcome. Although a direct association among these variables exist, little is known about their interactive effect. Dwelling on the buffering hypothesis, this study examined the role of social support in the association of death anxiety and PTG. We further investigated whether depression-PTG relationship would be moderated by social support. Cancer patients (N = 412) were randomly selected from two healthcare institutions. Participants completed relevant self report measures, and data were analyzed using Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results showed that social support buffered the effect of death anxiety on PTG. The relationship between depression and PTG was also moderated by social support. Interventions to facilitate PTG should target social support network of patients due to its potentials in buffering the effect of death-related anxiety and depression on patients' PTG.

Do many hands make light work? The role of romantic partners and close relationships in posttraumatic growth.

Our relationships are an important resource for health and well-being in times of need, often buffering the negative effects of stressful situations. Recent research has expanded on these buffering effects, exploring the role of close others in the experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG), or positive personality change that occurs after someone has experienced trauma. In the current review, we examine how much of a role partners play in PTG for individuals, summarizing the existing evidence suggesting that partners can influence the experience of PTG. Additionally, we examine which partner traits or behaviors may facilitate this growth for individuals, discussing relationship-relevant mechanisms, facilitators, and suppressors of PTG. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we also discuss the quality of existing evidence for the influence of social relationships on PTG, how can we improve the quality of future research, and what is needed for a comprehensive examination of partner-influenced PTG. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The meaning of segregated placements from the perspectives of people with acquired visual impairment: Focusing on posttraumatic growth and Japanese schools for the blind

Acquired visual impairment exhibits distinctive characteristics, which may include progressive impairment, along with the fundamental feature of a low incidence of visual impairment. In Japan, many with acquired visual impairment seek reintegration into society through schools for the blind. This qualitative study examined the relationship between enrolment in schools for the blind and experiences of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in people with acquired visual impairment, focusing on the role of segregated placements. Participants with acquired visual impairment ( n = 21) were selected by sampling target schools for the blind across Japan and participated in qualitative interviews that were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, with both inductive and deductive approaches. To understand PTG in participants and the specific factors and mechanisms that produce it, PTG theory, which describes growth in five different domains, was used as a framework. The results showed that PTG in these participants was apparent in terms of ‘personal strength’, ‘new possibilities’, ‘relating to others’, and ‘appreciation of life’. The school for the blind, designated as a ‘school’ for this minor population with special provisions catering to their unique needs, appeared to play a key role in PTG. In addition, other factors such as ‘acupuncture/moxibustion/massage therapy’ introduced during enrolment, and the progressive nature of their visual impairment, also seemed to influence PTG. In essence, schools for the blind allowed respondents to meet others facing similar challenges, who provided mutual support, leading to increased PTG. These schools also serve as places to instil confidence in individuals experiencing vision loss and expand their limitations. This study suggests that schools for the blind may facilitate positive psychological changes in people with acquired visual impairment, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of the significance of segregated placement in fostering positive outcomes.

Expressive Writing Intervention Study on the Post-traumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Patients

To explore the mechanism of the effect of expressive writing on the post-traumatic growth of breast cancer patients, and to provide evidence for the rehabilitation of cancer patients. A qualitative interview study was done among 15 young convalescent breast cancer patients who participated in expressive writing intervention in a tertiary A hospital in Guangdong Province, The interview focused on the psychological experience of post-traumatic growth in the process of expressive writing, while content analysis focuses on the content of expressive writing. The interview materials were sorted and analyzed using the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method, and the themes were organized. Results showed that Five themes were extracted from the psychological experience of the post-traumatic growth, including the personality change, the relationship change, the life change, the meaning of illness, the gratitude and dedication. The text content of breast cancer patients' expressive writing includes five dimensions: fact description, emotional expression, self affirmation, cognitive reappraisal, and meaning discovery. There were obvious post-traumatic growth in convalescent young breast cancer patients, while experiencing the negative events and negative psychology of illness. The potential therapeutic mechanism of expressive writing in breast cancer survivors includes five factors: fact description, emotional expression, self affirmation, cognitive reappraisal, and meaning discovery.

“I found myself”: a qualitative study on the post-traumatic growth experiences of women who experienced intimate partner violence

“I found myself”: a qualitative study on the post-traumatic growth experiences of women who experienced intimate partner violence

Post-traumatic Growth Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Grounded Theory Approach

Post-traumatic Growth Experiences of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Grounded Theory Approach

Characterizing the post-traumatic growth trajectory in gastric cancer survivors: a population-based longitudinal study.

Post-traumatic growth can improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. The objective of this study was to investigate post-traumatic growth heterogeneity trajectory in perioperative gastric cancer survivors, and to identify characteristics that predict membership for each trajectory. Gastric cancer survivors (n = 403) were recruited before surgery, their baseline assessment (including post-traumatic growth and related characteristics) was completed, and post-traumatic growth levels were followed up on the day they left the intensive care unit, at discharge, and 1month after discharge. Latent growth mixture mode was used to identify the heterogeneous trajectory of post-traumatic growth, and the core predictors of trajectory subtypes were explored using a decision tree model. Three post-traumatic growth development trajectories were identified among gastric cancer survivors: stable high of PTG group (20.6%), fluctuation of PTG group (44.4%), persistent low of PTG group (35.0%). The decision tree model showed anxiety, coping style, and psychological resilience-which was the primary predictor-might be used to predict the PTG trajectory subtypes of gastric cancer survivors. There was considerable variability in the experience of post-traumatic growth among gastric cancer survivors. Recognition of high-risk gastric cancer survivors who fall into the fluctuation or persistent low of PTG group and provision of psychological resilience-centered support might allow medical professionals to improve patients' post-traumatic growth and mitigate the impact of negative outcomes.

QOL-34. POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS SURVIVORS OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS

Abstract BACKGROUND Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) often report late psychosocial effects following the disease and the treatments. Recent studies have shown that PBTS can experience growth in their personal and interpersonal dimensions and develop coping strategies that allow them to deal with the stress caused by cancer diagnosis and subsequent therapies. This study aimed to describe post-traumatic growth (PTG) experiences and coping strategies among adolescents and young adults (AYA) survivors of pediatric brain tumors. METHODS AYA survivors were assessed using Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) questionnaires. They received evaluation at a median age of 20.2 years (range 13.6-28.7), with a median of 92 months from diagnosis. RESULTS Among 22 AYA survivors (M =14; F=8), the diagnosed tumor types were: germ cell tumor (10/22), low-grade glioma (4/22), embryonal tumor (3/22), high-grade glioma (2/22), craniopharyngioma (2/22), and mesenchymal tumor of the meninges (1/22).The domains of PTG in which positive changes were most frequently reported were Personal Strength (25%), Appreciation for Life (25%), and New Possibilities (23%). The less impacted domain was Spiritual Growth (9%). As regards the most adopted coping style, 38% showed higher values in the Distraction scale, 31% in the Task-Oriented scale, 15% in the Avoidance scale, and 15% in the Social Diversion scale. CONCLUSIONS PTG and coping are important indicators of psychosocial adaptation to difficult or stressful events. To develop specific interventions that enhance PTG, it is essential to understand which factors influence growth in PBTS. Our preliminary data show that all AYA survivors report PTG after treatments, at least in some domains. Further analysis is needed to identify which coping styles may influence the development of PTG.

Posttraumatic growth, spiritual damage, and psychosocial and mental health problems in survivors of clergy-perpetrated child sexual abuse: A mixed methods approach

IntroductionAlthough clergy-perpetrated child sexual abuse (CSA) implies severe traumatic repercussions for the victims, they may also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG) deriving from the need to deal with the trauma suffered. This PTG is associated with the processes of recovery, healing, and empowerment. ObjectiveApplying a mixed methods approach to analyse PTG outcomes and to explore experiences of PTG in survivors of Spanish clergy-perpetrated CSA and its relation with psychosocial, mental and spiritual suffering. ParticipantsThirty-one survivors (M = 51.6 years; SD = 12.4) in the quantitative stage of the research, and seven (M = 49.3; SD = 8.9) in the qualitative stage. MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed methods study design was applied using standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive, correlation and thematic analyses were conducted. The quantitative and qualitative data were integrated. ResultsPositive associations were found between PTG and psychosocial and mental health problems (r = 0.53; p < .01), damage to faith in God (r = 0.43; p < .05) and damage to faith in the Church (r = 0.48; p < .01). Three themes emerged from the qualitative data that explained, expanded, and complemented the quantitative results, highlighting the relationship between damage and growth and the specific meanings of PTG from the perspectives of the survivors. ConclusionsThis study shows that survivors may develop PTG in the course of the processes of psychological suffering, spiritual transformation, and meaning-making of traumatic experiences.

“The job changes you”: a reflexive thematic analysis of Australian correctional officer mental health

ABSTRACT Correctional officers (COs) work under stressful conditions and experience high rates of potentially psychologically traumatic critical incidents, and yet understanding of their mental health is limited. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore how correctional work impacts CO mental health. Twenty-two Australian COs (12 men, 10 women) working predominantly in high security prisons (91%) with male prison residents (50%) were interviewed about their mental health and workplace experiences. Reflexive thematic analysis of these interviews generated three key themes: the job changes you, it’s a stressful job, and coping strategies. Officers showed both positive and negative changes to their sense of self, daily functioning, and mental health which were generally consistent with experiences of psychological wellbeing, posttraumatic growth, and burnout. These changes were impacted by a variety of operational and organizational stressors and were managed through adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies like social support, humor, and alcohol consumption. The findings support existing theories of the non-dichotomous nature of mental health and mental illness. Along with deepening understandings of CO mental health, this study provides guidance on how COs can be supported to be healthy and productive in the workplace.

Post-Traumatic Growth Among Patients Suffering From Burn: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Burn and wounds are one of the most serious hospital cases in all healthcare settings, both social and psychological support are needed to overcome all depressive and anxious feelings afterward the burns' incidence. This study aims to assess and evaluate all posttraumatic growth experiences from healthcare professionals after burns and wounds on selected patients with various degrees of burns. Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive design. The present study utilized regression analysis as a statistical tool to examine the variables linked to posttraumatic growth in a sample of 191 individuals who had undergone significant burn injuries. Results: The study revealed that those undergoing therapy for mild depression exhibited a modest degree of depressive symptoms and a diminished feeling of positive self-perception compared to those in the acute phase. Therefore, a statistically significant difference in the averages was noticed between the two groups. An important correlation was found between depressive symptoms and social support, which had a significant impact on posttraumatic growth during the recovery phase. Conclusions: The present study revealed that social support exerted a noteworthy influence in promoting posttraumatic growth among individuals belonging to the acute phase group.

‘It Sounds Bizarre, but I Can Call It a Good Thing Now’: Social Worker’s Lived Experiences of Posttraumatic Growth following Dual Disaster Events

Abstract This article reports on findings from a research study on social workers who practised in Christchurch, New Zealand, following two disaster events: the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. The concept of posttraumatic growth (PTG), with particular reference to vicarious PTG, double exposure and shared resilience, is also explored in relation to this research. Data were gathered via qualitative interviews with twenty-three registered social workers conducted in 2021 and analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis. The findings reveal Christchurch social workers believed, due to their involvement in disaster response work, that their practice skills were enhanced, and they gained new understandings of trauma, including the positive changes which can occur as a result of exposure to traumatic experiences. The social work participants also considered their interpersonal and professional relationships as essential to the development of their own sense of resilience. This article concludes with a discussion on the implications of these findings and PTG theory for contemporary social work practice.

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.

Growing through adversity: the relation of early childhood educator post-traumatic growth to young children's executive function.

Early childhood educators (ECEs) play a critical role in supporting the development of young children's executive functions (EF). EF, in turn, underpins lifelong resilience and well-being. Unfortunately, many ECEs report adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that may compound high stress levels associated with an emotionally and physically demanding profession. ACEs have well-established negative implications for adult well-being and may dampen ECEs' capacities to engage in emotionally responsive interactions with children. However, many individuals who experience ACEs also report post-traumatic growth experiences that foster empathy, self-determination, and resilience. Such post-traumatic growth may equip teachers with skills to engage in responsive interactions with children that support children's EF. The aim of this study was to explore the relations of ECE ACEs and post-traumatic growth to the EF of children in their classrooms. Fifty-three female ECEs self-reported on their ACEs and post-traumatic growth. Parents of 157 children (53% male, 47% female, M age = 4.38 years) rated children's EF. In a set of linear mixed models that accounted for multiple demographic factors and ECE perceived workplace stressors, ECE ACEs were not significantly related to children's EF scores. However, controlling for ACEs, higher levels of ECE post-traumatic growth were associated with fewer parent-reported EF difficulties in children. ECEs may draw on the coping skills they have developed in times of adversity to model and promote healthy EF for children. Mental health supports to facilitate ECEs' processing of their own trauma may be a fruitful means to foster positive early childhood environments that nurture the well-being and resilience of future generations.

Posttraumatic growth experiences of North Korean adolescent refugees living in South Korea: A qualitative case study.

This study aimed to explore the posttraumatic growth (PTG) experiences of North Korean adolescent refugees. The qualitative context of PTG experiences and influencing factors was explored based on the experiences vividly described by North Korean adolescent refugees. I recruited participants for a qualitative case study, targeting "high-growth type" and "low-growth type" adolescents classified through latent profile analysis. A 1:1 in-depth interview was conducted with five high-growth and four low-growth adolescents who agreed to participate in the study. Their PTG appeared to coexist with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms such as anxiety and depression. In addition, the PTG of North Korean refugee adolescents was particularly remarkable in the areas of "personal strength" and "relating to others." The influencing factors of PTG were described in the qualitative contexts of "constructive rumination process," "self-disclosure," "peer network from both South and North Korea," and "role of significant others." This study confirmed that North Korean adolescent refugees actively strive for growth after trauma. In order to lead their PTG better, specific interventions are required for intentional rumination process, human support resources, and self-opening that affect PTG. This study has academic value in that it compares and verifies the factors affecting PTG by interviewing high- and low-growth adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Growth After Adversity: The Lived Experiences of Posttraumatic Growth Among Selected Covid-19 Survivors in Bataan, Philippines

Dealing with a traumatic event, such as severe COVID-19 symptoms, may deplete one's strength and fill them with fear and hopelessness. Despite such events that may demoralize an individual, the Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) phenomenon allows for the possibility of growth in the face of adversity. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of Posttraumatic Growth of the COVID-19 survivors and to ascertain what aspects of positive growth they have experienced. The researchers used purposive sampling to obtain the required number of respondents and used the interview protocol to conduct a semi-structured interview to gather the necessary information. Five themes have been identified using Colaizzi's seven steps for descriptive phenomenological data analysis. Specifically; (1) savor, (2) invigorating, (3) benevolent, (4) optimistic, and (5) light, which then abbreviated as SIBOL, a Tagalog word which means sprout; growth; spring that symbolizes the beginning of the growth of COVID-19 survivors. They perceived the Posttraumatic Growth as an opportunity to live their lives differently, this time embracing the new positive changes in their lives. Though there have only been a few studies on Posttraumatic Growth in the Philippines, it has the potential to raise a lot of awareness about the possible benefits of attaining Posttraumatic Growth. This assists in identifying a way to view adversity as a challenge that will aid in the growth process, where our emphasis shifts from learning about negative experiences to facilitating Posttraumatic Growth itself.

Individual and community experiences of posttraumatic growth after disaster: 10 years after the Australian Black Saturday bushfires.

To understand longer-term posttraumatic growth (PTG) and how this is associated with individual and community bushfire experiences. Survey data (n = 391) from the Beyond Bushfires and the 10-year Beyond Bushfires studies were analyzed. Multilevel modeling examined relationships between basic individual demographics, bushfire exposure, and community-level variables at 3-4 years after the fires, and PTG at 10 years using the short form of the PTG Inventory. Ten years after these Australian bushfires, being female, experiencing higher degrees of property loss, and stronger individual sense of community were the factors associated with PTG. Approximately 12% of the variance observed in PTG scores was attributable to differences in PTG across communities. Individuals from medium and high bushfire-affected communities reported significantly higher PTG relative to those in low bushfire-affected communities. While there was evidence of community differences in PTG, and individuals' own sense of community was positively and significantly associated with increased PTG, community-level cohesion scores were not found to be significantly related to PTG (although the trend was in the expected direction). PTG is evident in longer-term disaster recovery. While PTG appears to vary across communities, the findings suggest that it is an individual's own sense of community (rather than community-level cohesion) that is most closely related to this longer-term growth following a bushfire event. While PTG is currently understood as an outcome of individual-level perceptions, community-level experiences shape the potential for positive transformations to occur after disasters and warrant further investigation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

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.