Positive Personal Change Research Articles

Anti-Black Racism and Historical Trauma: Pushing the Positive Youth Development Paradigm

Positive youth development (PYD), while embraced in many sectors of youth work, has faced criticism for its primary emphasis on positive personal change and adaptation, without a strong emphasis on social justice and culture, especially relevant for African Americans. Additional models of PYD addressing these conceptual gaps have emerged, however few explicitly address anti-Black racism and historical trauma impacting African American youth development. In this paper, expanded models of PYD, specifically Empowerment-Based Positive Youth Development (EBPYD) and Critical Positive Youth Development (CPYD) will be examined for their strengths and limitations in responding to (1) anti-Black racism and (2) historical trauma among African American youth. Key strategies of these models, such as promoting prosocial behavior and civic engagement will be reconceptualized and expanded to account for developmental needs imposed by historical oppression and contemporary racism against African American youth. Implications for PYD programing will be discussed.

Posttraumatic growth after earthquake: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) represents a positive personal change after adverse events, such as natural disasters, including earthquake. However, the association between exposure to earthquake and level of PTG is still unknown. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses (MA) is to assess the level of PTG in people exposed to earthquake. Studies were identified via Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Cochran Library, Ovid, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, congress, and conferences research papers. The level of PTG was presented as mean and standard deviation. Subgroup analyses were conducted to control for the amount of time that had passed since stressor onset and age of the study population. The meta-regression was used to explore the sources of between-study heterogeneity, including sample size and age. The MA of all 21 studies using no restrictions related to age and time of the PTG measurement since traumatic event showed low level of PTG (41.71; 95%CI = 34.26; 49.16, I2: 62.44%, p: .000). Subgroup analyses controlled for the age demonstrated that level of PTG was higher in adults (49.47; 95% CI = 42.35; 56.58, I2: 0%, p = .466) when compared to children and adolescents (35.38; 95% CI = 23.65; 47.11, I2: 69.09%, p < .00). Moreover, the pooled weight mean of PTG measured 1 year and less than 1 year since the earthquake varied between medium (46.04; 95%CI = 34.45; 57.63, I2:51.2%, p: .037) and high (59.03; 95%CI = 41.46; 76.41, I2: 0%, p: .990) levels, respectively. The results of our MA showed low level of PTG in earthquake survivors. However, the mean value of PTG in adults was higher when compared to children and adolescents. In addition, the mean PTG was found to decrease over time since traumatic events.

Gerotranscendence as a Factor of Active Aging: Predictors and Outcomes

The image of modern aging had changed. While before ageing was associated with degenerative processes, today more older adults become active and meaningful members of the society. Still more knowledge is needed to help the majority of older adults to age in active and positive way. Solid body of research shows that in ageing the value of subjective factors dramatically increases. Gerotranscendence that suggests important positive personality changes to occur in aging, could be one of such mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate which psychological characteristics were important for development of gerotranscendence and which positive outcomes it might cause. Participants were 200 older adults aged 60-89 (69% females). Methods: Gerotranscendence scale (Strizhitskaya), self-actualization test (Shostrom), Self-acceptance test (Pantileev), Psychological well-being scale (Ryff), Scale of social activity (Strizhitskaya). Our results confirmed in consistence with literature that higher scores on self-acceptance and self-actualization favored development of gerotranscendence. We also found that developed gerotranscendence positively affected psychological well-being. New in our research was that we showed that people who demonstrated higher scores on gerotranscendence were more interested in maintaining social activities; they were interested in participation in social life of their community and were trying to continue active and meaningful social participation. The final model fitted the original data (Chi-square=12,168; df=11; p=0,103; CFI=0,944; GFI=0,973; RMSEA=0,051; PCLOSE=0,503). Thus gerotranscendence had positive effects on older adult’s functioning and social participation.

Organizational and methodological aspects of primary swimming teaching for junior schoolchildren

The goal. The current state of development of society makes quite high demands on man as a person and a bearer of universal cultural values, an important place in which are healthy forms of human life. One of the important components of these forms is the ability to swim, the foundation of which is laid in childhood. This is since the qualities formed in childhood are the strongest and play a major role in the formation of personality.&#x0D; Methodology: To achieve this goal, research methods such as data analysis of scientific and methodological literature, a generalization of the experience of best pedagogical practice were used. Analysis of data of scientific and methodical literature, the generalization of experience of advanced pedagogical. &#x0D; Results. The mechanism of forming a value attitude to swimming is the activity of resolving the contradiction between the awareness of its importance in human life and fear and psychological unpreparedness for water activities. Based on the analysis of the scientific literature, the main components of the methodology of primary swimming training of junior schoolchildren were identified, which contains the target, content, and methodological components.&#x0D; Conclusion. The proposed components of organizational and methodological aspects of primary swimming training of junior schoolchildren form a system that combines based on a common goal target, meaningful, criterion, methodological component and provide the result – achieving sustainable positive internal personality changes and positive dynamics of swimming skills in young children.

Post-traumatic growth as positive personality change: Challenges, opportunities, and recommendations.

Post-traumatic growth typically refers to enduring positive psychological change experienced as a result of adversity, trauma, or highly challenging life circumstances. Critics have challenged insights from much of the prior research on this topic, pinpointing its significant methodological limitations. In response to these critiques, we propose that post-traumatic growth can be more accurately captured in terms of personality change-an approach that affords a more rigorous examination of the phenomenon. We outline a set of conceptual and methodological questions and considerations for future work on the topic of post-traumatic growth. We provide a series of recommendations for researchers from across the disciplines of clinical/counseling, developmental, health, personality, and social psychology and beyond, who are interested in improving the quality of research examining resilience and growth in the context of adversity. We are hopeful that these recommendations will pave the way for a more accurate understanding of the ubiquity, durability, and causal processes underlying post-traumatic growth.

Derangement of the senses or alternate epistemological pathways? Altered consciousness and enhanced functioning.

This article summarizes and integrates research on the relation between altered consciousness (including states and traits, as well as procedures and practices to induce them) and enhanced functioning. The latter include improved psychophysiological control as well as enhanced performance in controlled parapsychological experiments. Multiple studies on meditation, hypnosis, sensory homogenization, psychoactive drug ingestion, and spontaneous alterations of consciousness have demonstrated enhanced physiological (e.g., gastrointestinal and other somatic systems, heart rate and bleeding control, ability to withstand cold temperature and painful stimuli) and psychological (e.g., perceptual sensitivity, attention control and cognitive deautomatization, creativity, enhanced positive affect and personality change) functioning. Parapsychological (psi) research also indicates that when individuals are exposed to techniques to alter the state of consciousness such as sensory homogenization, meditation, hypnosis, and psychedelic drugs, they exhibit stronger evidence of psi functioning than when they are in ordinary waking consciousness, particularly if they are prone to having spontaneous alterations of consciousness and/or have had a mental practice for a long time. Recommendations for further development of research in this area are provided. (Less)

"He's Back so I'm Not Alone": The Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on Personality, Self, and Relationships in Parkinson's Disease.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease successfully alleviates motor symptoms, but unanticipated changes in personality, self, and relationships can occur. Little is known about how these nonmotor outcomes affect patients and families. We prospectively examined the experience and meaning of DBS-related changes in personality and self for patients and caregivers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 participants (11 patient-caregiver dyads) before and 9 months after DBS and analyzed using thematic analysis. We identified three themes present prior to DBS that reflected a time of anticipation, while three themes present after DBS reflected a process of adjustment. Participants noted both positive and negative personality changes, with some, but not all, attributing them to the stimulation. The risk of stimulation-related personality change should be weighed against the procedure's motor benefits and considered in the context of disease- and medication-related personality changes. Clinical implications including perioperative education and follow-up management are discussed.

Метод ситуационно-векторного анализа когнитивно-личностного развития учащихся в процессе преодоления учебных трудностей

During reflective-activity approach counseling sessions with students aimed at helping them overcome difficulties, there often occurs a phenomena of ‘explosive dynamics’ when significant qualitative changes happen, both in the cognitive and personality spheres. The multi-dimensional model of the zone of proximal development proposed in the reflective-activity approach makes it possible to theoretically substantiate and describe the mechanism of cognitive and personality development in the process of overcoming learning difficulties. While working out the parameters for analyzing the dynamics of cognitive and personality development of students, the following three main tasks had to be solved: 1) how to analyse the process of joint work of the student and the counselor to reconstruct the structural-dynamic picture of qualitative cognitive and personality changes from the session transcript (speech production); 2) how to show the dynamics of learning through the subject matter of the tasks, the dynamics of cognitive and personality lines of development; 3) how to capture the connection between psychotherapeutic and pedagogical help and positive qualitative cognitive and personality changes. We thus developed a method based on the principles and methods of speech production analysis in creative task solving which is considered an equivalent of learning difficulties. The paper discusses an example of the analysis of counselor-student interaction based on the developed method. which illustrates the ‘reflection’ dynamics that occurs during one session.

Transformative Learning

On entering prison, prisoners lose their home, their possessions and their very identity as a person, becoming just a number. Transformative learning through Prison-based Higher-level Distance Learning (PHDL) can be the vehicle by which prisoners begin to find a new positive identity as a student. This article argues that PHDL, post-secondary self-study using distance-learning materials, is potentially transformative, leading to positive changes in personal and social identity and making a positive difference to learners' lives during and after incarceration. The study on which this article is based, investigates perceptions of transformative learning for ex-prisoners and prisoners (men and women) who were due for release from 10 prisons in England and Wales. Using the ‘voices' of the participants, this article describes their learning journeys, the motivation to study and the network of support required to overcome the extreme difficulties of study in prison. Although results varied from prison to prison, participation in PHDL produced psychological outcomes including, increased self-awareness, positive identity and resilience. The article concludes that PHDL encourages positive personal change in incarcerated students through transformative learning, with raised hope and realistic aspirations for continuation of learning, employment and a brighter future upon release.

PERSONALITY PARTICULARITIES OF PERSONS WITH DRUG ADDICTION IN THE PROCESS OF RESOCIALIZATION

The surveys on the epidemiology of drug addiction have shown that the number of people abusing substances, to which disease dependence may occur is constantly increasing. Lasting and more significant results for drug addiction limitation can be expected and gained only from the coordinated efforts of government bodies, society, family, school, and individuals. The resocialization of drug addicts is a process that helps them reintegrate into the social system. This requires a precise diagnosis of the causes that have led to detachment from the environment (family, friendship, professional), to understand the individual characteristics of the persons themselves, to select communication-specific and therapeutic support measures, specific to the given personality. The paper discusses the socio-psychological approaches for resocialization of persons with drug addiction. The aim of the study is to determine the influence of personality peculiarities of the drug addicts on their motivation for resocialization. The study involved 20 drug addicts aged 19-27 years included in the methadone program, psychotherapeutic procedures for drug withdrawal in the Military Medical Academy, Sofia. Methods: documentary method – studied are national and European documents, as well as scientific literature on the research topic; sociological method - standardized interview; multi-factor personal questionnaire - Mini Mult for express diagnosis of the personality type in screening studies on MMPI scales; statistical methods. Results: Characteristic for the studied drug addicts are hysteria (70%), followed by the occurrence of schizoidia (65%) and the same proportion of manifestations of psychopathy and hypomania (55%). Hypochondriacal attitudes (0%) were not noted in the respondents. Only 10% of them have a tendency to depression and 40% have psychotic disorders. 70% of the surveyed have marked behavioral abnormalities. The high values on the “hysteria” and “psychopathy” scale create a "favorable protective" factor - a certain power of the self and an interest to social groups. From the results of the interview conducted with regard to the motivation for resocialization of the drug addicts it is noticeable that most of the respondents (92,8%) want and try to overcome the difficulties that their dependency creates. This is a good motivational precondition for resocialization. Two-thirds of respondents noted a significant striving for a positive personal change and efforts to overcome dependence. Resocialization is a process that, depending on the individual's circumstances and personality particularities, takes place at a different intensity and in too long time limits. It depends on both the good will and the moral attitude of the individual, as well as on the empathic understanding, the support of the family, friends, the environment and the institutions that have a significant role in the process of resocialization.

Changes in daily manifestations of Openness to Experience during intensive cognitive‐behavioral treatment

Research examining relationships between trait Openness to Experience, psychopathology, and well-being has produced contradictory findings. Examining temporary manifestations of Openness may provide further insight into the interplay between Openness and symptoms in clinical populations. The present study validated a brief new measure to assess daily Openness in 271 adults (Mage = 34 years, 52% women, 83% White) taking part in 7 days of intensive treatment for acute psychopathology. Participants also completed a daily measure of depressive symptoms. Participants overall experienced a significant but small increase in daily Openness during treatment. Two latent classes best characterized initial levels and trajectories of Openness in this sample: medium/increase (86% of sample) and low/decrease (14%). Daily Openness negatively related to depressive symptoms over the entire course of treatment and at the daily level. Daily Openness, however, did not predict depressive symptoms from one day to the next (or vice versa). Results of this study contribute to the scientific understanding of positive personality change during challenging life circumstances. Future research could examine whether targeting Openness as part of treatment holds clinical value. Findings are limited by this study's short time frame and the lack of ethnoracial diversity in this sample.

The transformative role of interaction rituals within therapeutic communities.

Mental health settings are fraught with emotion as clients address difficult life experiences and relational patterns. Clients spend a substantial amount of time together outside of structured therapy, but little is known about how these moments are potentially therapeutic, especially as sites of emotional change. We draw on interaction ritual chain theory to explore how negative emotions in situations outside of formal therapy can be transformed into positive emotions and facilitate personal change. The research is based upon a narrative ethnography of two therapeutic communities for individuals with a diagnosis of personality disorder. Despite the presence of negative transient emotions in these rituals, clients experienced positive feelings of solidarity and belonging, and the majority of clients reported increased feelings of confidence and positive change. Conversely, dynamics between clients showed clients were not always supportive of one another and at times, could exclude others, resulting in isolation and alienation. We argue interactions that generate feelings of inclusion or exclusion over time are a key component in whether clients gain positive or negative emotional feeling and experience personal change.

Personalized treatment outcomes in patients with somatoform disorder: A concept mapping study

ObjectiveFrom a patient-centered perspective, treatment outcome measures in somatoform disorder need to be (1) personalized to the patient, (2) fit core problems that are targeted in therapy, and (3) reflect one's ability to adapt and self-manage anticipated deterioration. The aim of this study was to identify an encompassing set of treatment outcome variables in patients with somatoform disorder. MethodsIn-depth interviews yielded a comprehensive overview of 60 treatment outcomes that were sorted in a card sorting task according to similarity of meaning by 30 patients. Hierarchical cluster analysis (squared Euclidean distances, Ward's method) was used to obtain a structured overview of treatment outcomes unbiased by subjective interpretations of researchers. Perceived importance and personal change were examined using descriptive statistics. ResultsThe hierarchical structure of treatment outcomes showed seven clusters, classified in two broad categories: self-other relationships (comprising social support, health care use, and self-confidence) and self-management (comprising physical balance, psychological adjustment, symptom acceptance, and resilience). Ratings of the importance of the clusters showed large individual differences. Most participants retrospectively perceived positive personal change. ConclusionThe wide variety of treatment outcomes and the observation that patients attach different importance to the outcome measures supports the value of developing new personalized outcome measures for effect studies. In clinical practice, the clusters of outcomes can be used in shared decision making during intake, to define treatment goals, and to map and evaluate change on a personalized set of outcome measures.

Understanding mothers’ experiences of positive changes after neonatal death

ABSTRACTBackground: The death of a neonatal baby has the potential for parents to experience many negative outcomes. Post traumatic growth describes positive personal change from the struggle with a traumatic event. This has not been explored in this context.Objective: This study sought to understand the experiences of mothers whose neonatal baby had died; in particular, whether mothers were able to experience any positive changes in their lives since the death of their baby. The study also sought to explore what factors may have facilitated or prevented these changes.Method: Ten mothers were recruited, whose baby had died in the neonatal period between two and 10 years previously. Mothers completed semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Interview transcripts were analysed using Template Analysis.Results: Despite ongoing sadness, mothers recognized positive personal changes in their self-perception, relationships and life philosophy which were consistent with the post-traumatic growth model. Mothers also identified facilitators and barriers to these changes which were categorized into five themes: ‘Person-centred care’, ‘making sense’, ‘personal coping strategies’, ‘learning to live with it’ and ‘identity’.Conclusions: This study identified that the mothers made a conscious personal decision to cope with their experience. This is a unique finding which requires further exploration. Facilitators and barriers of growth both occurred as elements within the same five themes, indicating that all identified domains before and after the death have the potential to facilitate or to prevent personal growth. Importantly, these findings indicate that person-centred services, which are responsive to individual needs at all stages, are vital when providing maternity care in the context of loss.

Neural correlates of improvements in personality and behavior following a neurological event

Research on changes in personality and behavior following brain damage has focused largely on negative outcomes, such as increased irritability, moodiness, and social inappropriateness. However, clinical observations suggest that some patients may actually show positive personality and behavioral changes following a neurological event. In the current work, we investigated neuroanatomical correlates of positive personality and behavioral changes following a discrete neurological event (e.g., stroke, benign tumor resection). Patients (N = 97) were rated by a well-known family member or friend on five domains of personality and behavior: social behavior, irascibility, hypo-emotionality, distress, and executive functioning. Ratings were acquired during the chronic epoch of recovery, when psychological status was stabilized. We identified patients who showed positive changes in personality and behavior in one or more domains of functioning. Lesion analyses indicated that positive changes in personality and behavior were most consistently related to damage to the bilateral frontal polar regions and the right anterior dorsolateral prefrontal region. These findings support the conclusion that improvements in personality and behavior can occur after a neurological event, and that such changes have systematic neuroanatomical correlates. Patients who showed positive changes in personality and behavior following a neurological event were rated as having more disturbed functioning prior to the event. Our study may be taken as preliminary evidence that improvements in personality and behavior following a neurological event may involve dampening of (premorbidly) more extreme expressions of emotion.

Write Another Poem about Marigold: Meaningful Writing as a Process of Change.

In this article, I consider a process approach toward the goal of meaningful writing which may aid in positive personal change. From outlining recent criticism of contemporary poetry, to arguing against the tradition and practice of craft in the writing of poetry, I move to propose a means of writing centered on a method of inquiry, which involves the elements of self-involvement, curiosity, risk to think in a new way, and development of the new possibility through extensive thought.

The development of peer reflective supervision amongst nurse educator colleagues: An action research project

This action research study developed the use of peer reflective supervision (PRS) amongst eight nurse educators contributing to an undergraduate Adult Nursing programme at a UK University.During the academic year (2013–14), nurse educator co-researchers met for an introductory workshop and then met regularly in pairs to facilitate each other's reflection. This provided an opportunity for nurse educators to reflect on identified issues linked to their role with a facilitative peer. Educators met three additional times in a Reflexive Learning Group (RLG), to gather data on their use of PRS. Audio-recordings from the RLGs were transcribed and analysed using Norton's (2009) thematic analysis framework. Co-researchers iteratively validated the data and an external validation group critically viewed the evidence.Overall, seven themes were generated from the three research cycles. These were: PRS as a Valuable Affirming Experience; Time Issues; Facilitation- Support, Trust and Challenge; Developing a Flexible ‘Toolbox’; To Write or Not to Write; Drawing on Literature; and Requirement for Action.Findings add new evidence regarding use of a flexible toolbox of resources to develop reflection and offer practical guidance on the development of PRS. Nurse educators often experienced similar concerns, and a facilitative supervision structure allowed co-researchers to positively explore these. Recognition of work pressures and requirement for time and space for reflection was highlighted, particularly regarding writing, and exploring the literature, to develop critical analysis of experiences. The importance of action as part of the reflective process was emphasised. Co-researchers reported positive personal change as well as the opportunity to highlight issues through their reflection for further action within the organisation.The study adds constructive evidence for the use of reflection to explore professional work, make sense of experiences and develop positive action. It has transferability to a wider international audience interested in the development of reflection amongst colleagues and the use of insider research techniques to challenge and develop practice.

Post-traumatic growth as positive personality change: Developing a measure to assess within-person variability

Earlier work has defined post-traumatic growth (PTG) as positive personality change, but measurement of this construct has relied almost exclusively on cross-sectional and retrospective assessments. The aim of this study was to use an experience-sampling procedure to measure the extent to which PTG manifested in individuals’ everyday lives after a recent highly stressful or traumatic adverse event (compared to a control group). In doing so, we developed a state measure of PTG. The factor structure of state PTG was comparable to trait PTG, there was significant variability in individuals’ PTG from moment-to-moment, but individuals’ trait PTG was unrelated to their state PTG. Moreover, individuals who had experienced a recent adversity did not differ from control participants on state PTG.

An Online, Moderated Peer-to-Peer Support Bulletin Board for Depression: User-Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages.

BackgroundOnline, peer-to-peer support groups for depression are common on the World Wide Web and there is some evidence of their effectiveness. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which Internet support groups (ISGs) might work.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate consumer perceptions of the benefits and disadvantages of online peer-to-peer support by undertaking a content analysis of the spontaneous posts on BlueBoard, a well-established, moderated, online depression bulletin board.MethodsThe research set comprised all posts on the board (n=3645) for each of 3 months selected at 4 monthly intervals over 2011. The data were analyzed using content analysis and multiple coders.ResultsA total of 586 relevant posts were identified, 453 (77.3%) reporting advantages and 133 (22.7%) reporting disadvantages. Positive personal change (335/453, 74.0%) and valued social interactions and support (296/453, 65.3%) emerged as perceived advantages. Other identified benefits were valued opportunities to disclose/express feelings or views (29/453, 6.4%) and advantages of the BlueBoard environment (45/453, 9.9%). Disadvantages were negative personal change (50/133, 37.6%), perceived disadvantages of board rules/moderation (42/133, 31.6%), unhelpful social interactions/contact with other members (40/133, 30.1%), and technical obstacles to using the board (14/133, 10.5%).ConclusionsConsumers value the opportunity to participate in an online mutual support group for mental health concerns. Further research is required to better understand how and if these perceived advantages translate into positive outcomes for consumers, and whether the perceived disadvantages of such boards can be addressed without compromising the safety and positive outcomes of the board.

How Best-Self Activation Influences Emotions, Physiology and Employment Relationships

It may be possible to offer people a new understanding of their best-self concepts, leading to positive personal and social change. We developed theory about how best-self activation can lead to both immediate and long-term outcomes through recursion, interaction, and subjective construal between the self concept and the social system. In two lab experiments and a field experiment in a global consulting firm, we tested the hypotheses by offering people reflections on times they were at their best. Results confirmed that best-self activation inspired improvements in people’s emotions, resistance to disease, resilience to stress and burnout, creative problem solving, performance under pressure, and relationships with their employer. Results also revealed that best-self activations are more effective in creating improvements when they feature information from one’s social network rather than personal reflections.