Posttraumatic Growth Research Articles

Cross-cultural adaptation and primary approbation of the Russian version of Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory — Expanded version

Numerous studies suggest that caring for someone with a chronic disease is often associated with the various negative consequences for the patient’s informal caregivers. At the same time, positive changes caused by the stress influence of patient’s disease can be also noted. For example, the so-called posttraumatic growth. Currently, there is a lack of assessment tools in domestic psychology, that allow to investigate the relation between constructive (developmental) and destructive aspects of the relative’s mental response in a situation of chronic illness of a loved one.The aim of this work was to carry out cross-cultural adaptation and primary approbation of the Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory — Expanded version (PTGDI-X). Primary approbation was performed on a focus group of relatives of patients with cerebral pathology (n = 61, mean age 51,2 [SD = 15,3] years). Convergent and discriminant validity of the PTGDI-X assessed using World Assumption Scale (WAS), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Level of Relatives’ Emotional Burnout Questionnaire (LREB). In addition, a specially adapted for the research Burden questionnaire was used.The analysis revealed good psychometric characteristics of the PTGDI-X Russian version in terms of: internal subscales consistency (Cronbach’s α coefficients varied from 0,73 to 0,86), internal and external construct validity

Posttraumatic Growth among Burn Patients' Family Caregivers in China

Posttraumatic Growth among Burn Patients' Family Caregivers in China

The Impact of Self-Compassion on Adolescent Post-Traumatic Growth: The Moderating Role of Basic Psychological Needs

As a mental technique, self-compassion may also buffer in opposition to stressful stories and sell put up-stressful growth. To fill this gap, the existing take a look at tested how self-compassion affects teenagers' post-stressful growth and examined fundamental mental desires satisfaction as a moderator between self-compassion on one side and posttraumatic increase on the opposite facet. A questionnaire with the Self-Compassion Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth scale, and Basic Psychological Needs Questionnaire changed into completed by means of adolescents, whilst statistical methods have been applied to investigate facts. This examine confirmed that adolescent self-compassion had an influential positive impact on submit-demanding growth, and that assembly the needs of fundamental mental additionally accomplished as a crucial moderator between self-compassion and PTG. The findings recommend that once educators satisfy the basic mental needs of teenagers, they might be much more likely to grow following trauma, and provide instructions for intervention strategies. This research has important implications for knowledge the intellectual fitness of young people and developing mental interventions that paintings.

Effectiveness of meaning in life intervention programme in young and middle-aged cancer patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionDiminished levels of meaning in life can have a range of detrimental effects on cancer patients, including heightened anxiety, depression, psychological distress, reduced quality of life and, in severe cases,...

Retraction: Therapeutic interventions impact brain function and promote post-traumatic growth in adults living with post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1074972.].

Scoping Review of Vicarious Post-Traumatic Growth Among Nurses: Current Knowledge and Research Gaps.

Nurses frequently experience both direct and indirect trauma, leading to significant psychological challenges. While much research has focused on the negative impacts of such trauma, less attention has been given to vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG). Given the high levels of indirect trauma that nurses face, understanding VPTG is crucial for mitigating its adverse effects and enhancing mental health and work efficiency. To map and synthesize the literature on vicarious post-traumatic growth and identify key knowledge gaps in vicarious post-traumatic growth research. This scoping review follows the approach proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. We conducted this scoping review using the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute, supported by the PAGER framework. We searched 7 databases and gray literature on May 19, 2023 to obtain relevant research. Finally, we included 29 studies from 9 countries. There are currently no reliable data on the incidence of vicarious post-traumatic growth among nurses worldwide. There are multiple instruments available to investigate vicarious post-traumatic growth in nurses, and the vicarious post-traumatic growth inventory is more recommended. Factors affecting nurses' vicarious post-traumatic growth include coping styles, psychological factors, and social support. Indirect trauma exposure and vicarious post-traumatic growth coexist. There are currently three intervention strategies for vicarious post-traumatic growth, but none have been proven in clinical trials. This is the first scoping review on vicarious post-traumatic growth, there are a lot of research deficiencies and gaps in current research on vicarious post-traumatic growth for nurses. In view of the impact of secondary traumatic events on nurses, future research should pay more attention to nurses' vicarious post-traumatic growth and promote the development of vicarious post-traumatic growth.

Exploring relationships between parental stress, coping, and psychological outcomes for parents of infants with CHD.

This study aimed to explore relationships between parental stress, coping, and outcomes for parents of infants with CHD, via observational approach reflecting domains of the Parental Stress and Resilience in CHD (PSRCHD) model. Fifty-five parents of 45 infants with CHD completed questionnaires with measures of parental stress, Problem-Focused Coping (PFC), Emotion-Focused Coping (EFC), Avoidant Coping (AC), mental health (symptoms of anxiety and symptoms of depression), post-traumatic growth (PTG) and quality of life (QoL). Demographic and infant clinical data were obtained. Parental stress showed significant small to medium positive correlations with MH and PTG, but no significant correlations with QoL. EFC and AC showed significant small to medium positive correlations with MH, and medium negative correlations with parental QoL. EFC and PFC had significant small to medium correlations with PTG. PFC and AC had significant small to medium correlations with infant QoL. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that parental symptoms of anxiety, PTG, parental QoL, infant QoL were significantly predicted by models comprising of parental stress, coping styles, and clinical controls (adjusted R2 = 13.0-47.9%, p range < 0.001-.048), with results for parental symptoms of depression falling marginally above significance (adjusted R2 = 12.3%, p = .056). Parental stress, coping styles, and length of hospital stay are related to psychological outcomes in parents of infants with CHD. Future research may use the PSRCHD framework to assess mechanisms underlying CHD parents' stress and coping experiences and investigate longitudinal relationships between parental factors and parent and child outcomes.

Association of Core Beliefs Shaken and Deliberate Rumination with Posttraumatic Growth Following Athletic Injuries

Association of Core Beliefs Shaken and Deliberate Rumination with Posttraumatic Growth Following Athletic Injuries

Characterizing post-traumatic growth in individuals with traumatic brain injury according to social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity.

After traumatic brain injury (TBI), individuals may face challenges in their social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. However, positive life changes can also be experienced (i.e., post-traumatic growth). This study aimed to characterize the social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity of individuals with TBI displaying post-traumatic growth. Fifteen participants (male = 10, mean age = 49.7 years) with moderate to severe TBI (average years post-injury = 15.2) were included in this mixed-methods study. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. Qualitative data, collected using semi-structured interviews, were used to categorize participants into two groups: higher (n = 8) and lower (n = 7) post-traumatic growth. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants in each group in terms of their social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity. Participants with higher post-traumatic growth had increased social participation, higher self-awareness, and fewer negative discrepancies between their pre- and post-injury self-identities, compared to participants with lower post-traumatic growth. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of post-traumatic growth through the use of both qualitative and quantitative data. These findings can inform future research and development of programs to promote post-traumatic growth post-TBI.

Factors Associated with the Posttraumatic Growth of Psychiatrists Who Have Experienced Patient Suicide: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Previous studies have suggested that psychiatrists undergo posttraumatic growth after experiencing patient suicide. However, research remains scant on the posttraumatic growth of psychiatrists who have experienced patient suicide. Thus, this study examined the factors associated with the posttraumatic growth of psychiatrists who have experienced patient suicide. The sample comprised 39 psychiatrists, and data were collected through an online self-report survey. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Study results demonstrate that being older, having more clinical experience, having more experience with patient suicide, and receiving supportive supervision were associated with higher levels of posttraumatic growth among psychiatrists who have experienced patient suicide. However, higher levels of posttraumatic stress were associated with lower levels of posttraumatic growth. In conclusion, there is a need to increase support for psychiatrists who have experienced patient suicide to help them overcome occupational trauma and enhance posttraumatic growth. This study suggests several policy and practical implications for enhancing the posttraumatic growth of psychiatrists.

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

Posttraumatic growth modulates the response to negative emotions related to COVID-19: An event-related potentials study.

There is increasing interest in identifying how posttraumatic growth (PTG) impacts emotional processing following traumatic events (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic). Previous research suggests that high PTG levels may lead to enduring changes in positive emotional processing. Despite this fact, little is known regarding brain activation and responses to stressful emotional stimuli. The present study utilised event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate whether individual differences in emotional responses toward neutral and negative emotional stimuli related to COVID-19 are related to self-reported PTG levels. A total of 77 participants were analysed: 21 in the high PTG group and 56 in the control group. The amplitude of the N2 was smaller in the high PTG group compared to the control group under both negative and neutral conditions. When viewing the negative emotion pictures (vs. neutral pictures), the N2 amplitude significantly decreased for the high PTG group in the right occipital and frontal-parietal areas, whereas no significant change was observed among the control group. In the time window Late Positive Potential (LPP) 600-1000ms, emotional stimuli and the group interaction were significant. Viewing negative pictures (vs. neutral pictures) decreased the LPP 600-1000ms amplitudes for the control group, mainly originating from the brain's frontal regions. However, there were no such significant differences for the PTG group. Due to the limited sample size and cultural differences, the applicability of these results to other regions or countries needs to be verified. The presented findings suggest that the impact of PTG during emotional response is reflected in both bottom-up (evidenced by the early ERP components) and top-down (evidenced by the later ERP components) processes. Individuals with high PTG may use a meditation-related emotional regulation strategy of acceptance at the basic stage and non-judgement at a later stage.

Posttraumatic growth trajectories and the psychopathological response to Covid-19: A longitudinal study of former prisoners of war and combat veterans

BackgroundPosttraumatic Growth (PTG) is the subjective experience of positive psychological change following exposure to trauma. Yet, researchers have discussed whether PTG is a positive outcome or a self-deceptive coping mechanism. The present study investigates PTG-trajectories and their ability to predict psychopathology in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in a longitudinal study of former prisoners of war (ex-POWs) and combat veterans from the 1973 Yom Kippur War in Israel. MethodsData was collected in five waves from 1991 to 2020 (NT5 = 256). To identify latent profiles of change in PTG over time, Group-Based Trajectory Modeling was applied. Logistic regression examined whether study group and PTSD-clusters predict latent trajectories of change. Boostrap MANOVA was applied to examine if the latent trajectories predict veterans’ psychopathological response to Covid-19. ResultsA 2-class solution was the best representation of the data. Being ex-POW significantly predicted the likelihood of developing high PTG over time. The High PTG group had significantly higher Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and general psychopathology in response to Covid-19. ConclusionIn conclusion, PTG is associated with greater vulnerability for psychopathology in response to later adversities. Hence, the subjective experience of positive change does not appear to signify higher resilience in trauma victims.

Diabetes Distress and Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes-Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance and Moderating Role of Post-Traumatic Growth.

Many people living with type 2 diabetes experience diabetes distress which impacts negatively on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, little is known about the modifiable factors or psychological processes that make this happen. The current study examines the role of experiential avoidance and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in association with diabetes distress and the HRQoL. Participants included 303 patients with type 2 diabetes conveniently selected from two tertiary healthcare institutions in Nigeria. They completed relevant self-report measures. The Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS was used for data analysis. The results showed that experiential avoidance mediated the association between diabetes distress and the HRQoL [95% CI: -0.15, -0.07]. PTG significantly moderated the association between diabetes distress and the HRQoL [95% CI: 0.01, 0.02]. Specifically, diabetes distress was associated with a poor HRQoL only among patients with low levels of PTG but not among those with average and high levels of PTG. These findings underscore the importance of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as it can potentially decrease the experiential avoidance behaviour of patients. Moreover, intervention should also target the facilitation of PTG due to its beneficial effects in reducing the negative effects of diabetes distress on health and recovery.

Moving beyond vulnerability and focusing on resilience: An intersectional posttraumatic growth model for LGBTQ+ people of color.

In the context of the legacy of deficit-focused research and application of theoretical models in research on minoritized groups that are underrepresented in the literature, we explored the strengths-based literature among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people of color to develop a more inclusive and relevant understanding of how posttraumatic growth (PTG) occurs in this population. Our intersectional PTG model is tailored to the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color that builds upon previous models of PTG, intersectionality theory, and empirical findings of trauma and PTG among LGBTQ+ people of color. Our intersectional PTG model incorporates the unique intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural factors that are unique to this population and contribute to PTG. We challenge the limited scope of Criterion A traumatic events and emphasize empirical findings that support that LGBTQ+ people of color often experience posttraumatic stress after oppression and discrimination. Our model also recognizes the impact of intersecting risk factors, such as gendered racism, that may occur on various levels. Our model acknowledges that LGBTQ+ people of color have often demonstrated PTG in the face of adversity. Intrapersonal factors such as cognitive flexibility, interpersonal factors such as social support, and institutional and cultural factors such as identity-related activism are identified as key contributors to resilience. We discuss practice implications, highlighting that clinicians should recognize limitations of traditional trauma frameworks and adopt culturally sensitive approaches when working with LGBTQ+ people of color. Overall, our model provides a foundation for strengths-based interventions and research, emphasizing resiliency and potential for PTG in this population.

Pathway linking attachment styles to post-traumatic growth among recovered COVID-19 patients: testing the mediating role of coping styles

ABSTRACT Background: Research on post-disaster mental health shows that people have unique resources to undergo positive changes like posttraumatic growth (PTG) after facing adversities. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and PTG in COVID-19 survivors, with a focus on exploring the mediating role of coping strategies. Through examining these dynamics, the study seeks to contribute to deeper understanding of the psychological processes underlying growth in individuals recovering from the pandemic. Method: A total of 210 participants were enrolled from the hospitals in Tabriz, Iran, in January 2021, and completed self-report questionnaires. PTG, attachment styles, and coping strategies were assessed using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Revised Adult Attachment Scale (RAAS), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the mediation models. Results: The direct effects of secure (β = 0.22, p < .001), and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = −0.22, p < .001) on PTG were significant. Also, task-oriented coping significantly predicted PTG (β = .60, p < .001). The direct path from secure (β = 0.16, p < .05) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = −0.38, p < .001) to task-oriented coping was significant, as was direct impact of secure (β = −0.18, p < .01) and ambivalent-anxious attachment (β = 0.37, p < .001) to emotion-oriented coping. The association between secure attachment and PTG is significantly mediated by task-oriented coping (β = 0.1, (95% CI: 0.01–0.18)). Also, task-oriented coping was a significant negative mediator between ambivalent-anxious attachment and PTG (β = −0.24, (95% CI: −0.33 – −0.15)). Conclusions: Results support the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between attachment styles and PTG. It emphasizes the importance of interventions for improving coping resources in individuals with life-threatening illnesses, focusing on improving problem-focused coping and reducing maladaptive strategies.

Posttraumatic Growth in War Captives

Numerous studies have investigated the various consequences of traumatic experiences during the war. The most significant disorder that occurs as a result of war traumatization is posttraumatic stress disorder, in addition to which other psychological disorders often can occur. In the last few decades, the number of studies researching the occurrence of posttraumatic growth as a positive outcome of trauma, including that of war veterans, has been growing. Among war veterans, prisoners of war stand out for the intensity of their traumatic experience but also for the appearance and intensity of the pathological outcomes of the trauma. Studies show that in this group of veterans, posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbidity disorders often persist for decades after their release from captivity.There is not much research about the positive outcomes of trauma in these particularly vulnerable populations, and this paper is a review of several different studies, the results of which show that posttraumatic growth is possible even after challenging traumatic experiences such as war captivity.

Tracing the Empirical Boundaries of Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth: Implications for Generativity and Communal Coping

Inherent to the human experience is the desire to find good in traumatic experiences, and these positive responses to stress are often framed as resilience or posttraumatic growth. Resilience is often defined as the successful adaption to adversity ; whereas posttraumatic growth describes the positive changes emerging from adverse experiences. Despite their potential overlap, the differences between posttraumatic growth and resilience remain unclear. This manuscript considered the respective factor structures of resilience and posttraumatic growth, confirmed their empirical differences, and articulated the conceptual and theoretical implications of this distinction in the coping process.

Abstract C033: Mapping behavioral research in post-treatment cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Abstract Introduction: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), high cancer incidence is compounded by limited healthcare access and out-of-pocket costs. Additional factors like limited research funding, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural influences further affect cancer survivors' well-being. While some studies identify factors improving psychosocial well-being, there is a gap in understanding SSA-specific contextual and behavioral influences. This study addresses this gap through a scoping review of post-treatment cancer behavioral research, synthesizing current knowledge to inform interventions aimed at enhancing psychosocial support and improving health outcomes for survivors in the region. Methods: Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's 5-step framework, we conducted a scoping review to map cancer-focused behavioral research in Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to inform policy and identify research gaps. Through comprehensive literature searches and eligibility criteria based on the PICOS framework, we identified relevant studies. Searches were executed from September-October 2023. Our search strategy encompassed multiple databases and supplementary methods to ensure thorough coverage. Screening, extraction, and analysis of the selected articles were conducted independently by at least two reviewers, using Microsoft Excel and Covidence and resolving discrepancies through discussion. Ultimately, seven articles met our inclusion criteria. Data were charted and summarized, covering demographics, study design, barriers, facilitators, cultural factors, support mechanisms, and recommendations. Results: Seven articles from four SSA countries were reviewed, with Nigeria contributing the most studies. The study articles, spanning from 1998 to 2023, used diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks. The studies covered various cancer types and stages, highlighting significant psychological distress, financial toxicity, and post-traumatic growth among survivors. Cultural influences, including stigma and spiritual beliefs, were prominent. Barriers to care included financial constraints and limited access, while facilitators were social support and positive healthcare relationships. Effective support mechanisms like social and psychological interventions were crucial for enhancing survivors' well-being and promoting long-term follow-up care. Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the significant psychological, financial, and cultural challenges faced by cancer survivors in SSA. Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions and policies that consider the unique contextual factors of SSA, aiming to enhance psychosocial support and improve overall health outcomes for cancer survivors. Future research should focus on comprehensive and culturally competent approaches to mitigate barriers and leverage facilitators, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for cancer survivorship in the region. Citation Format: Motolani Ogunsanya, Opeyemi Bolajoko, Jessica Saintibert, Danetta Hooks, Oluwaseyi Toye, Shari Clifton, Folakemi Odedina. Mapping behavioral research in post-treatment cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C033.