Positive Psychological Growth Research Articles

Post-Traumatic Growth Promoting and Inhibiting Factors Among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: A Systematic Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a traumatic experience that is universally present across the globe. Undeniably, there are expected adverse outcomes. However, it is also conceivable that IPV survivors might see, feel, and experience a hopeful, positive future after their IPV experience. Notably experienced by IPV survivors is post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG is a type of positive psychological change that occurs following the struggle with a traumatic experience. The changes are then reflected across five domains. As more studies on PTG among IPV survivors continue to rise, there must be a better understanding of the process. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, this systematic review consolidated findings from existing literature guided by the research questions: (a) What areas of PTG do IPV survivors most experience positive psychological growth? (b) What factors are associated with PTG among IPV survivors? A total of 22 studies met the criteria and were included. Spiritual growth and new possibilities domains were experienced the most by adult IPV survivors. Contributing and inhibiting factors toward PTG were identified and categorized as interpersonal, contextual, or intrapersonal. Targeted interventions aiding the process toward PTG for IPV survivors were also identified, including commonly maladaptive coping strategies. This systematic review contributes to the literature by increasing knowledge that can be used for more effective support, interventions, and policies that promote PTG for adult IPV survivors.

Impact of dental hygienists’ positive psychological capital, growth mindset, and self-leadership on retention intention

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the factors influencing the positive psychological capital, growth mindset, and self-leadership of dental hygienists in the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions with regard to their retention intention. The findings would serve as basic data for improving the retention intention. Methods: The methods espoused for analysis comprised independent sample t-test and ANOVA for group comparisons, Pearson’s correlation analysis for examining the correlation between variables, and multiple regression analysis for identifying factors affecting retention intention. Results: Positive psychological capital was higher among those under the age of 27 and employed in dental clinics. Growth mindset was higher among those with less than three years of work experience and those working in clinics. Self-leadership was higher among those aged 28–31, and retention intention was higher among those under the age of 27 and with less than three years of work experience (p<0.05). A correlation was observed between positive psychological capital and self-leadership (r=0.760), self-leadership and retention intention (r=0.514), positive psychological capital and retention intention (r=0.505), positive psychological capital and growth mindset (r=0.337), and growth mindset and self-leadership (r=0.245) (p<0.001). Factors influencing the intention to stay at work were selfleadership (β=0.309) and positive psychological capital (β=0.242) (p<0.05). Conclusions: In order to improve dental hygienists' retention intention, it is necessary to devise strategies for improving positive psychological capital and self-leadership.

Conceptualizing "positive attributes" across psychological perspectives.

The growth of positive psychology has birthed debate on the nature of what "positive" really means. Conceptualizations of positive attributes vary across psychological perspectives, and it appears these definitional differences stem from standards for "positive" espoused by three normative ethical frameworks: consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. When definitions of "positive" do not align with one of these ethical schools, it appears researchers rely on preference to distinguish positive attributes. In either case, issues arise when researchers do not make their theoretical alignment explicit, leading to value-laden, often subjective criteria being smuggled into science as a description of what is positive. To foster a deeper critical understanding of the different approaches, we examine how these conceptual definitions of positive attributes (mis)align with their ethical traditions or fail to align with an ethical school. We review several positive attribute theories across psychological disciplines that serve as examples of the ethical and non-ethical sources of "positivity." Through this, we assess the conceptual criteria for what each approach considers "positive," note the degree of alignment between definition and ethical school, and draw attention to potential issues. We advance the conceptual assessment of positive attributes by considering the implications of failing to explicitly address the theoretical foundation from which a construct is defined.

Post-Traumatic Growth Among Frontline Doctors Fighting Against COVID-19 At A Tertiary Care Public Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan.

To evaluate post-traumatic growth experienced by medical doctors who served coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2021, to February 28, 2022, at the Civil Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical doctors of either gender aged >22 years who directly provided care for at least one month to coronavirus disease-2019 patients. Other than demographic and professional profile of the subjects, data was collected using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, with total score ≥60 indicating a positive post-traumatic growth. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 166 subjects approached, 150(90.3%) finished the study. There were 90(60%) females, 88(58.7%) were aged 25-35 years, 55(36.7%) were married, 107(71.3%) were postgraduate trainees, 79(52.7%) had 1-3 family members in the vulnerable groups, and 43(28.7%) had received any sort of psychological training. The mean post traumatic growth score was 64.81±20.27 and 87(58%) doctors scored ≥60. The odds of experiencing post- traumatic growth for doctors with the number of vulnerable family members were significant (p<0.05). Doctors who had received psychological training before providing care to coronavirus disease-2019 patients showed higher odds of experiencing post-traumatic growth (p<0.05). Coronavirus disease-2019 resulted in substantial positive psychological growth for frontline doctors. Psychological training showed a significant role in post-traumatic growth.

Association Between Mode of Delivery and Abnormal Scores on Psychometric Scales After Stillbirth [ID: 1379988

INTRODUCTION: Those who deliver a stillborn infant are at increased risk of postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), and lower post-trauma recovery. We aimed to explore whether PPD, PPA, or post-traumatic growth (PTGI) scores differed among women who had stillborn infants via vaginal delivery (VD) versus cesarean delivery (CD). METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of case–control study from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network. Longitudinal pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum data were collected between people who had stillbirth and live birth between 2006 and 2009. Those with stillborn infants who completed psychological assessments for PPD (Edinburg Postpartum Depression Scale), PPA (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and PTGI were included. The primary outcome was screening positive for PPD (score &gt;10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Secondary outcomes were screening positive for PPA (score &gt;40 on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and PTGI score, measured continuously. Outcomes were compared between those who had VD versus CD. Multivariable analysis controlling for demographic or obstetric differences between groups was conducted. RESULTS: Of 982 stillbirths, 269 patients (27.4%) completed postpartum psychological assessments and were included. Of these, 41 (15.2%) had CD. Those who had CD were more likely to be Hispanic (48.8% versus 27.2%, P=.006) and have older gestational age (34.4±4.3 weeks versus 26.9±6.5 weeks, P&lt;.001). Mode of delivery (MOD) was not associated with differences in screening positive for PPD (CD odds ratio [OR] 1.62 [95% CI 0.79–3.27]) or PPA (CD OR 1.52 [95% CI 0.75–3.05]). However, MOD was associated with lower PTGI score. This difference persisted after controlling for confounders (beta coefficient −0.17 [standard error 0.07, P=.0141]). CONCLUSION: After stillbirth, MOD is not associated with differences in screen-positive rates for PPD or PPA. However, delivering a stillborn infant via CD was associated with lower PTGI score, which suggests additional support resources may be needed in this population to promote positive psychological growth.

The merit of grit and emotions in L2 Chinese online language achievement: a case of Arabian students

ABSTRACT The Covid-19 pandemic has provided second language (L2) learners with additional challenges regarding how to obtain an enjoyable experience while achieving a better learning attainment. Despite a growing body of studies that substantiated the predictive effect of grit, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLA) on Chinese language achievement (CLA), no previous research has explored their predictive effects in online L2 Chinese learning. To address this gap, this study clarifies the nature of the complex correlation between grit, FLE, FLA, and online CLA by analyzing 169 responses from Arabic multilingual learners using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that: (i) FLE, not FLA, significantly predicts online L2 CLA; (ii) FLE acts as a positive mediator between grit and online L2 CLA; and (iii) FLE has a stronger impact in catalyzing an individual’s online L2 success. This study enriches the applicability of the broaden-and-build and control-and-value theories in the field of Chinese language learning. We hope that this study will serve as a call for further attention to emotions and grit, especially for languages other than English, in order to advance the growth of positive psychology in L2 learning and teaching.

Psychoeducational Intervention for Reducing Heart Failure Patients' Rehospitalizations and Promoting Their Quality of Life and Posttraumatic Growth at the 1-Year Follow-Up: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study's aim was to verify whether a psychoeducational intervention, with a brief expressive posttraumatic growth (PTG) component, could reduce heart failure (HF) patients' hospital readmissions and promote their quality of life (QoL) and PTG. It adopted a parallel randomized clinical trial design, and its participants comprised HF patients from a hospital in Southern Brazil. All the participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory questionnaires at the pre (T1: baseline) and post (T2) assessments of the intervention. Although patients in the control group (CG) underwent only regular outpatient consultations, those in the intervention group (IG) supplemented their regular consultations, with two additional individual visits to promote health and psychological education. At the 1-year follow-up, hospital readmissions were assessed. Of the 142 patients recruited at baseline (72 and 70 in the CG and IG, respectively), as 19 dropped out at follow-up, only 123 (63 and 60 in the CG and IG, respectively) were reassessed after approximately 378 days. They included 65% men aged 64 (11) years, 58% had low incomes, and 67% had less than high school education. The IG participants' risk of readmission got reduced by 52% ( p = .023), and they also showed significant improvements in their total QoL and positive psychological growth at the 6-month follow-up assessment. The two-session psychoeducational intervention proved to be protective for Southern Brazilian HF patients in the IG, as it effectively reduced their hospital readmission rates by half compared with the CG, as well as improved their QoL and promoted their positive psychological growth. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04870918 .

The predictive role of coping styles and sense of coherence in the post-traumatic growth of mothers with disabled children: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundCoping and accepting stressful events can lead to positive psychological changes, growth, and excellence. In this regard, the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between coping styles and sense of coherence with post-traumatic growth in mothers with disabled children in Bushehr (a southern city in Iran).MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was performed on 260 mothers with children with disabilities who were filed in the rehabilitation centers covered by the Welfare Department of Bushehr in 2018. Demographic information form, Tedeschi and Calhoun post-traumatic growth questionnaire, Antonovsky sense of coherence, and Billings and Moos coping styles were employed to collect data. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis at a significance level of less than 0.05.ResultsThe mean age and standard deviation were 35.83 ± 7.41 for the mothers, and 7.20 ± 4.05 for the children. The mean and standard deviation of post-traumatic growth was 64.88 ± 14.90, sense of coherence was 116.36 ± 22.65 and coping styles was 30.59 ± 6.39. The results of linear regression show that only the two dimensions of meaningfulness (p = 0.013 and β = 0.170) and manageability from the sense of coherence (p = 0.001 and β = 0.432) can predict post-traumatic growth in mothers with disabled children in Bushehr. Also, from the coping style dimensions, only the emotion-focused variable (p = 0.001 and β = 0.353) is a predictor of post-traumatic growth.ConclusionConsidering the role of sense of coherence and coping style in predicting post-traumatic growth, to implement rehabilitation programs and support the families of these children, it is essential to plan for the development of social and psychological support for mothers with disabled children.

Posttraumatic growth and postpartum depression in women after childbirth: The moderating role of postpartum negative life events.

This study aimed to investigate the implications of postpartum negative life events on postpartum depression and posttraumatic growth in women after childbirth. A sample of 280 postpartum women at a level III hospital in China provided data on postpartum depression, negative life events, and posttraumatic growth with a cross-sectional design. The scores of both postpartum depression and negative life events exhibited a quadratic correlation with posttraumatic growth in women after childbirth, and negative life events significantly moderated the associations between depression and overall posttraumatic growth and its three dimensions: personal strength, spirit change, and relating to others. Women can experience positive psychological growth after childbirth, and this study provides new evidence of an interaction between postpartum depression and negative life events in the prediction of psychological growth, highlighting the moderating role of negative life events. This study could help direct mental health professionals to target interventions that provide more psychological support to reduce the impact of depression and negative life events, which will be conducive to improving women's psychological growth.

Resilience Among Language Learners: The Roles of Support, Self-Efficacy, and Buoyancy.

The growth of positive psychology has generated different perceptions and concepts on the authorization of learners, such as the construct of resilience and buoyancy. It has been argued that buoyancy has a central function in the educational process as buoyant pupils are more about to participate in activities presented in the classroom and also they are interested to cope with stress in challenging situations especially in English as a foreign language (EFL) learning context. Moreover, to protect against these adversities in reactions to unexpected situations, a related concept exists in positive psychology, labeled resilience that designates persistence and underlines people’s capabilities in face of adversities. The expansion of factors such as self-efficacy and social support seem to have great impacts on different aspects of learners. To this end, the present review attempts to highlight these two noteworthy elements in managing learners’ resilience and buoyancy. Consistent with this review, some recommendations for future inquiries are presented and instructional implications are offered.

The role of threat appraisal and coping style in psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic among university students.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to psychological distress among community samples and university students. Some coping behaviors and cognitive appraisals allow individuals to experience positive psychological growth amid such a crisis (Folkman et al. 1986). In the event of continuing waves of COVID-19 infection and future viral outbreaks, understanding the relationships between coping behaviors, stress appraisals, and COVID-related distress and growth can empower public health officials and university leadership to mitigate negative consequences and encourage growth.Methods774 undergraduate students completed online self-report measures of coping (Brief COPE; emotion, problem, avoidant), stress appraisal (SAM; threat/centrality, challenge/self-efficacy, uncontrol, other-control), neuroticism (NEO—N), health anxiety (SHAI), and COVID-19 exposure/impact (C-PIQ; distress and growth). Hypotheses were examined via simple regressions and interactions.ResultsIncreased utilization of avoidant coping was associated with high levels of distress regardless of whether it was perceived as threatening or not. Emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies were associated with more growth, whereas avoidant coping was associated with less growth. Higher emotion-focused coping and challenge appraisal together predicted the most growth.LimitationsCross-sectional design precludes the tracking of distress and growth over time; this study relied on self-report data.ConclusionsThese results underscore the impact of stress appraisals on the mental health of students navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings may inform public health messaging–or have clinical implications, as successful interventions exist for improving coping strategies and stress appraisals.

Abstract 12971: Positive Psychological Growth Post Cardiac Arrest Survivorship: A Pilot Study

Background: Cardiac arrest (CA) has an annual US incidence of &gt;500,000 with survival rates ~10%. Although most studies focus on survival and neurological outcomes, understanding long-term psychological consequences is of equal importance. Some have reported negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD; however, since survivors of other adverse life-threatening disorders, including cancer, report positive psychological growth, we sought to test the hypothesis that CA survival may also be associated with growth of positive psychological traits. Method: Invitations were sent to CA survivors through their local hospitals or national registries to participate in an online pilot cross sectional study. Overall, 47 agreed and were given a series of standardized questionnaires to assess the following positive personality traits: empathy, compassion, forgiveness, altruism, optimism, gratitude, positivity, spirituality, consideration for others’ needs, and happiness. Using a 5-point Likert scale, they then estimated the relative change in these traits since their CA event, where 1=significant decrease, 2=moderate decrease, 3=no change, 4 =moderate increase, and 5=significant increase. Results: Overall 42 of 47 (89%) reported a return to their daily functional activities. Personality trait ratings were analyzed using a sign test relative to a population median score of 3 (i.e. no change) for statistical analysis. Participants showed statistically significant differences in all the assessed personality traits: gratitude (median=4, p&lt;0.0001), compassion (median=4, p= p&lt;0.0001), altruism (median=4, p&lt;0.0001), empathy (median=4, p&lt;0.0001), spirituality(median=4, p&lt;0.0001), consideration for others’ needs (median=4, p&lt;0.0001), forgiveness(median=4, p&lt;0.0005), optimism (median=4, p&lt;0.001), positivity (median=4, p&lt;0.005), and happiness(median=4, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Long-term psychological sequelae of CA survivorship remains ill understood. However, some CA survivors may develop greater positive psychological traits following CA. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between CA and long-term positive changes and quality of life, as well as possible therapeutic interventions.

An Interaction Effect of Life-Threatening Experience, Self-Efficacy, and Financial Resources on Quality of Life Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Women

The current study explores the interaction effect of adversities and self-efficacy at baseline on quality of life (QoL) at follow-up among middle-aged and older Chinese women. 531 women were interviewed in 2008 and 226 of them were re-interviewed a year later using Quality of Life Ladder (QoLL), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), List of Threatening Experiences (LTE), Somatic Complaint Scale, and self-rated health. Respondents’ mean age at baseline was 55.7 (SD = 4.7, range: 50–78). Over a year’s time, respondents had a decline in quality of life and self-rated health (p < .001), experienced more life-threatening events (p < .05) and somatic complaints. The hierarchical multiple regression model, employed in the study, identifies three predictors of future quality of life after adding the interaction term ‘Previous LTE × Previous GSE × Previous household income’ — previous quality of life (β = .492, p < .001), previous LTE (β = -.292, p < .001), and the interaction term (β = .221, p < .05). This model explains 34.1% of the variance of future quality of life (Adjusted R2 = .341, p < .001). The findings suggests that respondents’ good self-appraisal of coping resources could moderate the impact of adversities on their future quality of life. Interventions for promoting positive psychological growth among middle-aged and older adults should cover four domains, i.e. event-related factors, environmental factors, personal factors, and cognitive and coping responses. Traditional Chinese wisdom emphasizes the importance of understanding the bad (‘Yin’—the shady side) and the good (‘Yang’—the sunny side) aspect of life events. Future research may explore the Yin Yang perspective on life-threatening experiences and its applications in cross-cultural quality of life studies in the era of globalization.

Predictors of post-traumatic growth in young adult burn survivors

Although burns most often result in negative psychological consequences, some studies have identified self-reported, positive psychological growth after such injuries. Post-traumatic growth is a positive psychological change in which an individual develops stronger functioning, beliefs, and values following a trauma. To date, no quantitative analysis has been done of post-traumatic growth in young adult burn survivors. The present study aims: (1) to delineate the overall level of post-traumatic growth among Korean young adult burn survivors, and (2) to investigate the factors that influence the post-traumatic growth. To accomplish this, data for 221 burn survivors in a burn hospital and self-help groups were analyzed. Young adult burn survivors were found to have experienced post-traumatic growth, although to a lesser degree than previous research would suggest (36.86 ± 31.16). Results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that change in a family relationship after the burn experience, treatment situation, and level of interpersonal relationship skills, were statistically significant in young adult burn survivors’ post-traumatic growth. Results support good interpersonal relationship skills and positive family relationships appear to facilitate the positive growth after burn experience. Clinical implications are presented in the discussion.

Understanding long-term changes in patient identity 15-20 years after surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy.

Following epilepsy surgery, patients can experience complex psychosocial changes. We recently described a longer term adjustment and reframing ("meaning-making") process 15-20years following surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy, which could involve an ongoing sense of being a "different" person for some patients. Here, we quantitatively examine identity at long-term follow-up and how this relates to meaning-making and postoperative seizure outcome. Eighty-seven participants were included: 39 who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) 15-20years ago (59% female; median age=49.2years, interquartile range [IQR]=10; median follow-up=18.4years, IQR=4.4) and 48surgically naïve focal epilepsy patients (56% female; median age=34.5years, IQR=19). We captured approach to meaning-making by coding for key narrative features identified in our previous qualitative work. Nonparametric tests and correspondence analysis were then used to explore relationships between a quantitative measure of identity and meaning-making, as well as seizure outcome, mood, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients 15-20years post-ATL demonstrated a shift toward increasing identity commitment and exploration compared to the surgically naïve cohort, with this shift significantly linked to seizure outcome. Examining the relationship between identity and meaning-making also revealed three groups: (1) those who embraced self-change (29%), (2) those who continued to struggle with this process (60.5%), and (3) those who showed minimal engagement (10.5%). Those who "embraced change" were significantly younger at regular seizure onset and demonstrated a trend toward higher HRQOL. Findings suggest that ATL patients show a more developed identity profile compared to surgically naïve controls; however, the majority still struggled with postoperative identity change at long-term follow-up. Approximately one third of patients demonstrated positive psychological growth following surgery, reflected in the ability to embrace change. Findings highlight the importance of understanding the impact of surgery on patient identity to maximize the psychosocial benefits.

Can conflict lead to pro-social behavior and positive psychological growth?

This study examines the effect of conflict on pro-social behavior (e.g., volunteering). To this end, I exploit a panel dataset to track individuals who were in danger of physical injury during a military operation in Israel in 2014 before and after this event, against a control group that was not in danger. My results reveal that following the conflict, individuals who were in physical danger are more likely to behave pro-socially than those who were not. Exploring possible mechanisms, I find increased psychological growth (e.g., closer relations with others and greater appreciation of life) after the operation. Placebo analysis using the pre-conflict period reinforces my conclusions.

QOLP-22. POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY

Abstract BACKGROUND Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) refers to the positive psychological change following a trauma and may include a heightened appreciation for life, greater value in meaningful relationships, and/ or spiritual development. A brain cancer diagnosis may be experienced as a traumatic event given the high risk of tumor progression, lack of curative treatments, and ultimately unexpected disheartening prognosis; however, there is limited research on PTG in neuro-oncology. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of PTG in patients diagnosed with primary brain tumors (PBTs). METHODS Patients with PBTs (N = 53, Mage = 48.17, 52.8% male) completed the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) during routine neuro-oncology clinic visits. Descriptive statistics and frequencies for the five factors of the PTGI and PTGI total were calculated. RESULTS PTG was evident across all domains with the most growth reported in appreciation for life and the least growth in new possibilities. Most patients endorsed low levels of growth across the five factors; 29-49% of patients endorse moderate-to-high severity in at least one PTG domain. Lastly, the average total score (M = 46.10) of this sample met the established cutoff for moderate-to-high PTG (&amp;gt; 46). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that patients with PBTs may perceive positive psychological growth following the traumatic event of a brain tumor diagnosis. Specifically, patients may experience a greater appreciation for life but relatively less growth in new possibilities, perhaps due to the poor prognosis of many PBTs. In non-CNS cancer populations, patients with higher PTG reported better quality of life and lower distress. Further research to expand our knowledge of PTG and the associated factors, including the demographic, medical, and psychological correlates, will better equip providers to promote positive change in PBT patients.

Correlates of post-traumatic growth among nursing professionals: A cross-sectional analysis.

Among nursing professionals, our aims were to examine (a) self-reported traumatic experiences, (b) differences in post-traumatic growth (i.e. positive psychological growth after experiencing a traumatic event) by nursing professional level and (c) demographic, work-related, behavioural and traumatic experience covariates of post-traumatic growth. Trauma experience among nursing professionals is higher than observed in the general population. Due to the nature of their work environment, workplace trauma rates are particularly alarming. Understanding post-traumatic growth among nursing professionals may guide interventions to enhance well-being. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional survey data from nursing professionals (N=299). Demographic, work-related, behavioural, trauma experience categories and post-traumatic growth variables were examined. Advanced practice nurses and clinical nurses reported higher rates of workplace trauma, as compared to nursing assistants. Higher post-traumatic growth scores were associated with having a postgraduate degree, serving the paediatric population and lower frequency of alcohol use. Lower post-traumatic growth scores were associated with being married/widowed, being an advanced practice provider or clinical nurse, working in the intensive care unit and reporting workplace, family/personal stress and undisclosed trauma. Nursing professionals have several demographic, work-related, behavioural and traumatic experience-related variables associated with and that explain variances in post-traumatic growth. Targeted screening and individualized treatment based on nursing professional level should be considered to support trauma recovery and post-traumatic growth.

Growth through adversity: posttraumatic growth in anonymous living liver donors

Purpose Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is positive change that occurs after struggling with challenging life crises. Research on PTG has typically been limited to oncology populations, first-responders, and individuals in warzones. We report the experience of PTG amongst a sample of 26 anonymous live liver donors. Methods Anonymous donors were those with no biological connection or prior relationship with recipients. Twenty-six participants participated in a semi-structured qualitative interview examining their experience with, and outcomes of donation. Interview transcripts were analyzed for themes about PTG using the constant comparison method. Results While some donors indicated that donation had little lasting impact on their life, most cited significant personal and interpersonal changes resulting from the experience. The most common positive changes included deepened bonds with others, appreciation for personal strength, clearer life direction, legacy-building, and a connection to the transplant community. Conclusion Despite the short-term physical trauma of living donor surgery, the act of anonymous donation appeared to be a catalyst for positive long-term psychological growth. These findings help to bolster the ethical argument in favour of anonymous donation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION There is a shortage of organ donors for recipients in need, and anonymous living liver donors can successfully reduce wait times and mortality rates for those on wait lists. There are some questions about the ethics of anonymous donation due to possible negative physical and psychological effects of donation surgery on donors. In a qualitative study, this study shows that donors ascribe significant meaning to, and derive many psychological benefits from, their donation experience. These findings provide insights about how to best support anonymous donors through and after their donation experience.

Beyond the Role of Interpersonal Violence in Predicting Negative Affective Conditions in Adults: An Examination of Hope Components in Chinese College Students.

With the growth of positive psychology during the past two decades, increased research has been focused on identifying human virtues that not only foster well-being but also act as positive processes that mitigate the impact of life adversities. Thus, it is useful to examine how positive processes, such as hope, may impact individuals' psychological adjustment following adversities. This study investigated the relationships among interpersonal violence, hope, as a key human strength, and negative affect conditions in a large sample (N = 737) of Chinese male and female (Nfemale = 409) college students. Participants completed measures assessing prior exposure to interpersonal violence, levels of both hope components (i.e., agency and pathways), negative affect, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Results from correlational analyses showed that exposure to interpersonal violence was positively and hope was negatively correlated with negative affective conditions. However, hope agency was more strongly correlated with those outcomes than hope pathways. In addition, three separate hierarchical regression analyses indicated that after accounting for demographics (i.e., age and sex) and interpersonal violence, within hope components, only hope agency remained as strong concurrent predictors of negative affective conditions. The present findings in this Chinese sample are consistent with those obtained from Turkey and the United States samples, adding evidence to the more robust role of hope, and hope agency in particular, in predicting negative psychological adjustment associated with interpersonal violence. Efforts made to address the absence of hope agency may be particularly important in future attempts to mitigate negative affective conditions linked to interpersonal violence among Chinese college students.