Traumatic Growth Research Articles

The Post-Traumatic Growth of Primary Caregivers of Patients after Liver Transplantation.

Liver transplantation is a very important surgery. In many cases, it involves two loved ones (receiver and donor in the same family) and causes stress and feelings of burden in family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to investigate post-traumatic growth in primary caregivers of liver transplant patients. A cross-sectional research design was adopted to recruit 84 participants. The Perceived Stress Scale, Short-Form Coping Strategies Scale, and Post-traumatic Growth Scale were used. The results revealed that the total score of perceived stress of the main caregivers of liver transplantation was 27.27 ± 6.63; problem-oriented coping and emotion-oriented coping were used as the main coping strategies, and the traumatic growth score was 42.01 ± 13.84. All three variables were significant predictors of post-traumatic growth (F = 13.71, p < 0.05), explaining 38% of the total variance. This study can help nurses understand the post-traumatic growth status and related factors of the main caregivers of liver transplant patients. It can also help caregivers understand their own perceived pressure and then take relevant care measures to reduce the degree of physical and mental load and achieve a balanced state.

The relationship between childhood trauma and post-traumatic growth among college students: The role of acceptance and positive reappraisal.

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship among childhood trauma, acceptance, positive reappraisal and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among college students.MethodsResearch participants were selected by random cluster sampling. 1,028 college students (62.6% female, 30.5% only-children) from 8 universities were investigated using manuscript-pencil survey versions of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), Cognitive emotion regulation questionnaire–Chinese version (CERQ-C) and Post traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).ResultsTraumatic childhood experience significantly negatively predicts post traumatic growth in college students. Exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood can directly negatively predict post-traumatic growth and indirectly positively predict post traumatic growth via acceptance.ConclusionAcceptance plays a mediating role between childhood traumatic experience and post traumatic growth. The mediating effect of acceptance is moderated by the positive reappraisal. When individuals have a lower level of positive reappraisal, the mediating effect between traumatic experience and post traumatic growth is significant. Several clinical implications for clinical psychology and psychological intervention are highlighted. Starting with changing individual cognition and helping individuals adopt positive cognitive emotion regulation strategies can help individuals actively reevaluate traumatic experience, so as to gain better and faster counseling results.

A LARGE HEPATIC HEMANGIOMA REVEALED BY EPIGASTRIC PAIN

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors of the liver and are often asymptomatic, diagnosed incidentally. They are considered giant when they exceed 5 cm at their largest diameter. Giant hepatic hemangiomas are rare. Diagnosis is essentially based on imaging (CT, MRI). Spontaneous or traumatic rupture, intratumor hemorrhage, rapid growth, diagnostic uncertainty and coagulopathy are the main indications for surgery. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with two hepatic hemangiomas, the largest of which occupies the entire left lobe and measures 17 cm in diameter. It is not known how long the tumor had been growing. She underwent surgical management due to obvious mass effect.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and Post-traumatic Growth among Police officials; Role of Coping Self Efficacy and Hope

Background: Post traumatic stress disorder in the after math of trauma is common. The objective of this study was to find correlation between Post-traumatic stress disorder and contributing factors of growth after trauma in active duty officials of police having direct exposure of trauma during war against terror in Pakistan.&#x0D; Methodology: The cross-sectional study was done on active-duty police officials from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan in three years duration from Jan, 2019 till December 2021. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used for selection of participants. Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5), short form of Comprehensive trauma inventory, Adult Hope Scale and Perceived coping self-efficacy scale were used for data collection. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. After descriptive analysis, correlation of variables was checked by Pearson correlation and moderation analysis was done.&#x0D; Results: Age range of the participants was 33.6 ± 6.3 years. There was a significant strong positive correlation of Hope and Perceived self-efficacy with Post traumatic growth and negative correlation with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There was a significant increase in post-traumatic growth in presence of hope and perceived self-efficacy.&#x0D; Conclusion: Relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth was moderated by perceived coping self-efficacy and hope.

Post Traumatic Growth as a way of mastering COViD-19 Peritraumatic Distress Inde[ (in Russian sample)

IntroductionCOVID-19 pandemic reality raise multiple problems that need effective ways of coping. Not only for people experienced contracting COVID-19 but those who did not the positive ways of coping are important way to overcome distress associated with COVID-19. Post-traumatic Growth of personality may be effective coping factor. To test this hypothesis we used several instruments: one of them - Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) for assessing the level of distress specific to Covid-19Objectives463 participants (including 66 patients in COVID-19 clinics)MethodsRussian version of Covid-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) validated in Psychological Helping and resocialization Department Moscow State University; Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz), Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory – PTGI (Tadeshi &amp; Calhoun) adapted by M. Magomed-EminovResultsRussian version of CPDI has high reliability-consistency (Cronbach’s α -0.87). We obtained from our data: significant correlation between CPDI and PTG for people experienced COVID-19 contamination. Content analysis of narratives and incomplete sentences showed: those who had higher scores on PTG and CPDI have differences in personal meaning of their traumatic experience.ConclusionsCPDI is presented in research as brief effective tool to identify COVID-19 related distress and plan helping strategies and psychiatric interventions for various people suffering by continuing pandemic crisis. Correlation between CPDI and COVID-19 contamination: could suggest more severe distress is associated with higher PTG. And PTG could be considered as positive factor coping with distress. We suggest cultural-activity approach to personality work with stressful experience of individual to confront distress, existential evaluation of life situation taking into account also resilience, growth .DisclosureNo significant relationships.

위기 부부 대상 만다라 미술치료의 효과:

The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of the Mandala Art Therapy Program on the distress tolerance, self-expression, and post-traumatic growth of couples in crisis. The research problems of this study are as follows. First, will there be a difference in the distress tolerance of a couple in crisis according to participation in the Mandala art therapy program?, Second, will there be a difference in self- expression of couples in crisis according to participation in the Mandala art therapy program?, Third, will there be a difference in the post-traumatic growth of couples in crisis according to participation in the Mandala art therapy program? The research results are as follows. First, as a result of post-examination of pain tolerance of couples in crisis according to participation in the Mandala art therapy program, it was found that the average of the experimental group of the overall distress tolerance and control and evaluation among sub-factors was significantly higher than the average of the control group. However, in the results of pre- and post-effect verification of the experimental group, it was found that there was no significant effect in the overall distress tolerance and sub-factors. Second, as a result of examining the difference in self-expression of couples in crisis according to participation in the Mandala art therapy program, the results of pre-post-effect verification of the experimental group showed that there was no significant effect on the entire self-expression and sub-factors. Third, as a result of examining the differences in post- traumatic growth of couples in crisis according to participation in the Mandala art therapy program, the results of the pre- and post-effect verification of the experimental group showed that there was significant effects in the post-traumatic growth scale and sub-variables. The significance of this study is that it provides basic data for providing mandala art therapy programs for couples in crisis by examining the effects of mandala art therapy for couples in crisis, focusing on distress tolerance, self-expression, and post-traumatic growth.

The Role of Resilience towards the Correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Post-Traumatic Growth

Background:Positive changes may occur in someone after experiencing a traumatic childhood. Previous research found that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) could not be the only factor that becomes the cause for an individual’s Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG); thus, research that describes the role of a mediator in both variables is needed. Since studies investigating ACEs among Indonesia participants are still lacking, this would be considered as initial research on the relations of ACEs and PTG.Objective:This research was aimed to investigate how resilience becomes a mediator between children’s traumatic experiences of ACEs and PTG.Methods:This research used a quantitative correlational method to investigate the relation between the three examined variables: Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs), Resilience, and Post-traumatic Growth (PTG). A total of 349 participants were participated in this research, with the age range from 12 to 65 years old, predominantly female (N = 271;77,7%). Three research instruments were used in this study, such as the Adverse Childhood Experiences scale, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale, and Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).Results:The results showed a significant correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences, Resilience, and Post-Traumatic Growth. A Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis revealed a nonsignificant impact from ACEs to PTG. Resilience is proven to play the role of a mediator in the relation between ACEs and PTG, which was shown using the submitted model plot that revealed a higher total effect after resilience was placed as the intervening variable (standardized total coefficient = –.192). Details on mediating effects of each resilience factor were presented and explained further, along with the discussion on Indonesia's cultural background.Conclusion:This article revealed the connection between the ACE that the individual experienced in the past with resilience and PTG. Indonesian-related culture and characteristics were also explained.

Post Traumatic Growth During COVID-19 Outbreak and the Affecting Factors: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Study among Turkish Nursing Students

The aim of this study is to determine posttraumatic growth of nursing students during COVID-19 pandemic and the affecting factors. This study is a descriptive and cross‐sectional study. The sample of the study consisted of 402 nursing students. The data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory. The analyses showed that there was a significant difference between PTG scores of the students by variables such as gender, economic situation, smoking/alcohol use, having a chronic disease, things enjoyed during the pandemic and the situations in which individuals were most affected during the pandemic. This determination indicates that activities should be included in nursing programs to encourage the students to have more positive developments in their lives.

An exploration of psychological trauma and positive adaptation in adults with congenital heart disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

The growing population of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) often have lifelong experience of dealing with potentially traumatic health crises and medical uncertainty whilst facing increased vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The COVID-19 pandemic presents additional challenges for this population including increased risk of health complications, shielding and strict social distancing, changes to medical care provision and social stigma. Despite such challenges, adults with CHD have the potential to also experience positive changes, yet little is known as to what helps cultivate positive adaptation and post-traumatic growth (PTG) within this context. The current study comprised a cross-sectional, anonymous, online study exploring psychosocial measures of traumatic experiences as well as protective factors that mitigate the risks to the mental health of adults with CHD (n=236) during the pandemic. Closed and open-ended questions and a series of standardised psychosocial measures of traumatic experiences, coping mechanisms, emotional regulation and PTG were used. Findings suggest the CHD population are at increased risk of PTSD which may be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, positive adaptation may promote post traumatic growth. In particular, emotional regulation is associated with post-traumatic growth. We recommend a growth-focused, psychologically and trauma-informed approach to medicine and public health, recognising the importance of supporting mental health and promoting living well with CHD during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. These findings are likely generalisable to other lifelong health conditions and shielding populations. Experience Framework This article is associated with the Quality & Clinical Excellence lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://www.theberylinstitute.org/ExperienceFramework). Access other PXJ articles related to this lens. Access other resources related to this lens.

Men’s Health Across the Lifespan: Post Traumatic Growth and Gender Role in Male Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Background: Due to societal stereotypes around masculinity (i.e. men should be strong and able to physically resist an offender), male survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) frequently experience sexuality and gender role crises, as they tend to blame themselves for not protecting themselves. The negative effects on male and female survivors of sexual abuse are well documented. There is some evidence to suggest that female survivors may experience post traumatic growth (PTG) although less is known regarding male survivors and PTG. Aims: To explore the PTG processes involved in the development of positive gender roles and sexuality in male survivors of CSA. Method: Recruitment through national male survivor support organisations and social media resulted in a sample of 12 participants from the UK, EU and USA. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed and analysed using social constructionist thematic analysis. Results: The parallel processes of “struggling and changing” and “developing and growing” were evident in the PTG journeys of participants. Eight subthemes were developed relating to gender role redevelopment to illustrate the experienced positive change: “Turning point,” “Redefining masculinity and sexuality,” “Reconnecting,” “Determination,” “Appreciation of life,” “Living by masculine values,” “Attunement” and “Stronger person” in the context of a central “environmental” theme. Conclusions: This study has provided much-needed empirical support for the development of positive gender role and sexuality following CSA and has enabled conceptualisation of PTG in male survivors.

Peace of mind: Promoting psychological growth and reducing the suffering of combat veterans

ABSTRACT The Peace of Mind (POM) program was designed to enable combat veterans in Israel to process their combat experience, address difficulties in the transition to civilian life and facilitate psychological growth as a result of their military experience. During the course of the program, 1068 participants were studied at four time points. Post-traumatic symptoms were measured using the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and post-traumatic growth (PTG) was measured using the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Multilevel Modeling (MLM) was used to assess symptom and psychological trajectories for all participants and for those who began with and without PTSD symptoms, respectively. The results demonstrated that those who began the program with elevated PTSD symptoms experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms following the completion of the intensive element of the program. Additionally, all participants demonstrated an increase in PTG following the intensive section of the program and this was maintained throughout follow-up. The findings indicate that the POM program is beneficial in relation to both positive and negative outcomes of traumatic military experiences though it is clear that the transition from combat to civilian life is more complex than the current measures identify and that further research needs to examine the distinct lifestyle and functional changes which occur following the program.

Effect of nature-based physical activity on post-traumatic growth among healthcare providers with post-traumatic stress.

The purpose of this randomized control trial was to observe the effect of nature-based physical activity in achieving post traumatic growth and to estimate the combined effect of nature and physical activity on the psychophysiological outcomes. A 3-month therapy was provided to participants meeting eligibility criteria to receive the walk-in nature (experimental group) or sit-in nature (control group) in the 1:1 ratio. At baseline and 3-month follow-up, participants were assessed with Trauma Symptom Checklist 40, Traumatic Stress Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Cortisol, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) and heart rate variability. There was a significant effect of nature-based physical activity on traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth in comparison with the sit-in control. A significant post-interventional difference was observed in the mean PTGI score [F=5.412, p=0.022] between the experimental and control groups after 3months of intervention. All the biochemical estimates, including CRP, BDNF, IL-6, and cortisol levels, were significantly altered in both post-intervention study groups (p<0.01). Taken together, these results show that nature-based physical activity significantly improves psychophysiological outcomes induced as a result of post-traumatic growth and also reduces traumatic stress.

From secondary traumatic stress to vicarious posttraumatic growth amid COVID-19 lockdown in Greece: The role of health care workers’ coping strategies.

Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk for suffering negative psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as secondary traumatic stress symptoms (STS), as they are exposed to this traumatic experience both directly, as community residents, and indirectly, in the care of infected patients. Following vicarious exposure, positive psychological outcomes, such as vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG), are also likely, though they are less studied. The present study aims to examine (a) the associations among STS, VPTG, and coping strategies among HCWs during the COVID-19 lockdown and (b) the mediating role of coping strategies in the STS-VPTG relationship. Cross-sectional online data were collected amid the COVID-19 lockdown in Greece (March 23, 2020 through May 3, 2020) from a sample of 647 HCWs (25% men, 75% women). The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory, and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory were used to measure STS, VPTG, and coping strategies, respectively. HCWs reported moderate to low levels of STS and VPTG, with the VPTG dimensions of personal strength and appreciation of life being the highest categories. Intrusions mental and both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies predicted VPTG. Adaptive coping strategies partially mediated the relationship between STS and VPTG, whereas maladaptive coping strategies fully mediated this relationship. Understanding the coping responses during lockdown among HCWs is important for developing tailored prevention and intervention actions to protect the populations at risk from the deleterious impacts of uncontrollable and life-threatening diseases and promote posttraumatic growth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Determination of post-traumatic growth status of frontline infection control nurses in the COVID-19 pandemic – a cross-sectional study

Introduction and aim. It is very important for nurses to experience post-traumatic growth in order to protect their mental health after traumatic events such as a pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the post traumatic growth status of infection control nurses, who play an important role in health services in the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods. This study is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The study was conducted with 170 infection control nurses working in infection control committees of hospitals in Turkey. “Nurse Descriptive Information Form” and “Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI)” were used as data collection tools in this study. Results. As a result of this research, the mean PTGI total score of the infection control nurses was 70.73±23.03, and it was determined that they experienced moderate growth from the sub-dimensions of the scale. Also it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the changes in philosophy of life sub-dimension scores of PTGI according to the age and marital status of the nurses. In addition, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the total PTGI scores according to the year of working as an infection control nurse and the loss of a relative of the healthcare worker due to the COVID-19 disease. Conclusion. In this study, it can be said that infection control nurses experienced a moderate post-traumatic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. Age, marital status, working year and loss of a healthcare worker friend during the pandemic period seem to affect nurses’ post-traumatic growth. It is very important to determine the mental health of infection control nurses working on the front lines in the pandemic.

Post traumatic growth among police officials who participated in Global war on Terror in FATA (Federally Ministered Areas) Pakistan.

Background and Objectives:Exposure to traumatic event like war evokes certain distress full reactions like post traumatic stress disorder. However, stress is not the only out come as sometimes traumatic event leads towards growth as well. Our objective was to study the relationship between post-traumatic stress, hope, perceived social support and post traumatic growth in police officials who actively participated in war on terror and secondly to highlight the role these factors and demographic variables like marital status and family system play in the promotion of post traumatic growth.Methods:A cross sectional study was conducted on the officials of police who participated in war on terror and were currently deployed in peaceful areas. Study was planned at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. Sample of the study comprised of 200 police officials. Sample was collected by using non probability purposive sampling technique. This technique was selected as focus of the study was on particular group of police officials who participated in war on terror and had direct exposure of life-threatening trauma during the war. Scales were used in Urdu language. Perceived social support scale and post traumatic growth inventory were available in Urdu language. Scales that were available in English like PDS-5 (PTSD diagnostic scale) and Adult Hope scale were translated in Urdu language and were culturally adapted. Post traumatic growth inventory was used for measuring post traumatic growth. PTSD diagnostic scale (PDS-5) was used for measuring post-traumatic stress. Perceived social support was measured by using Multidimensional scale of social support and hope was measured by using Adult hope scale.Results:Age range of the participants was between 21 to 54 years (Mean 33.6, SD= 6.3). Higher exposure to traumatic events was positively related with growth. Study variables like hope and social support showed positive relationship with post traumatic growth. Married and unmarried individuals showed difference on perceived social support (t = 9.31, p = .001), post traumatic growth (t = 8.75, p =.001) and post-traumatic stress (t = 2.04, p = .030). Respondents with extended and nuclear family system showed significant difference on perceived social support (t =2.488, p = .000) and hope (t =2.585, p = .000).Conclusion:Results of study indicated that PTSD is not the inevitable outcome of combat trauma sometimes trauma leads to post traumatic growth.

Elite Diving Athlete With Traumatic Growth Plate Injury of the Proximal Humerus: A Case Report

Growth plate injury of the proximal humerus is rare. We herein report a traumatic growth plate injury of the proximal humerus in an elite diving athlete. A 16-year-old female diving athlete injured her left shoulder during 7.5 m platform hands-first diving practice. At the first visit, she presented with upper left shoulder tenderness and left shoulder range-of-motion limitation. There was no fracture or dislocation on X-ray and computed tomography (CT), but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a high-intensity zone in the left lateral epiphysis of the proximal humerus. We treated her conservatively by rest with sling and rehabilitation. She partially restarted diving practice five weeks post-injury and returned to competition eight weeks post-injury. Even if there is no sign of fracture or dislocation, we should consider MRI for patients who are before the age of growth plate closure.

외상경험 대학생의 정서조절양식과 정서적 자기노출이 외상 후 성장에 미치는 영향

본 연구는 외상을 경험한 대학생이 선택한 정서조절양식과 외상 후 성장의 관계에서 정서적 자기노출이 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 하였다. 이를 위해 온라인 설문을 실시한 전국 17개 시·도에 소재한 4년제 대학의 재학생 440명 중 외상경험을 보고한 358명을 대상으로 정서조절양식과 외상 후 성장의 관계에서 정서적 자기노출이 매개하는지를 확인하였다. 연구결과, 능동적 정서조절양식, 지지추구적 정서조절양식은 정서적 자기노출이 매개하여 외상 후 성장에 간접적으로 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 반면에 회피분산적 정서조절양식은 정서적 자기노출이 매개하여 외상 후 성장에 간접적으로 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 외상경험자가 외상 후 성장에 이르는 과정에서 정서적 요인과 행동적 요인이 미치는 영향에 대한 이해를 제공하고 상담의 방향성을 제시하였다는데 의의가 있다. 마지막으로 연구결과의 제한점과 후속 연구를 위한 제언을 논의하였다.

Effectiveness of Commitment and Acceptance Therapy on Depression and Post Traumatic Growth in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

Background and Objectives Chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis have adverse effects on the patient's physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of commitment-based treatment and acceptance (ACT) on depression and post-traumatic growth in hemodialysis patients. Methods The present study was clinical trial with pre-test, post-test and follow-up with a control group. Hemodialysis was performed on 36 patients referred to Imam Ali and Shahid Rajaei Hospitals in Karaj. Sampling method was convenience and patients randomly assigned into two groups: ACT group (n=18) and control group (n=18). The research tool was Beck and Post Traumatic Growth and Depression Inventory. The intervention group received ACT therapy individually in 8 sessions of 90 minutes. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Results In the pre-test stage, the Mean±SD score of the depression and post-traumatic growth of the ACT group were 49.83±4.73 and 41.94±10.76, respectively. In the control group; the mean and standard deviation of depression was 45.39±2.70 and for post-traumatic growth was 44.22±8.09. After intervention and in the follow-up phase, a significant increase in mean post-traumatic growth and a decrease in depression were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group (p≤0.001). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it seems that ACT as a psychological intervention can be effective in improving psychological problems and post-traumatic growth in patients undergoing hemodialysi.

Comparing Two Distinct Miliary Samples on Traumatic Events, Positive Coping Styles and Post Traumatic Growth

This study collected complete data traumatic event-related information, positive coping styles, and post traumatic growth variables from two different United States (US) military veteran samples: non-combat military veterans (n = 54) and combat military veterans (n = 84). Although both samples represent military veterans, only one sample experienced actual combat, i.e., active fighting in a war against an enemy. All data were collected via online survey. Demographically, both samples were predominately White male, with a four-year college degree being the highest education level frequency. The average participant age was 29 years and there was no significant mean age difference between the samples. In addition, there were no significant sample differences in the total number of traumatic events experienced or time since the most powerful traumatic event was experienced. The purposes of this study were to: (1) test if four positive coping strategies were related to Post Traumatic Growh (PTG), and (2) to determine if there were differences in the use of these four coping strategies or experienced PTG for non-combat versus combat military veterans. The four positive coping styles were measured, instrumental support, emotional support, religion, and acceptance. For the combined sample, two coping styles, instrumental support and religion were each significant positively related to post traumatic growth (PTG). Significant sample differences were found on instrumental support and religion such that the non-combat veterans perceived higher mean levels on both coping styles versus the combat veterans. No sample difference was found for PTG. Future research directions and study limitations are discussed.

Post Traumatic Growth in Radiation Medicine Following the COVID-19 Outbreak

Purpose/Objective(s)It has been reported that adversarial growth during traumatic events potentially enhances coping with sequelae. The purpose of this work was to assess post-traumatic growth amongst radiation medicine staff members at the individual level as well as changes in perceptions of departmental culture following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic declared as a US public health emergency in February 2020.Materials/MethodsA post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI) survey comprising 21 growth indicators was disseminated electronically in May 2020 with the option of anonymous feedback to all 213 members of our multi-center radiation medicine department. The indicators were intended to measure perceptions of change in 3 domains following the outbreak: personal, interpersonal relationships and philosophy of life. In addition, 8 department safety culture survey questions were included in this survey taken from the National Hospital Patient Safety Culture Survey developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The goal was to assess changes in staff perceptions of department culture during the pandemic versus the baseline survey completed in 2019 ahead of the pandemic. The PTGI and AHRQ survey questions were scored using 6- and 5-point Likert scales with the higher scores yielding greatest perceived growth and most favorable perceptions respectively. Principal Factor Analysis with Varimax rotation was conducted on the PTGI indicators. Indicators with the highest degree of perceived change and department cultural improvements were identified.ResultsWith a 56.3% survey response rate, factor analysis on the 21 PTGI indicators yielded Cronbach's alpha values of 0.958, 0.905 and 0.915 corresponding to the aforementioned domains. The average PTGI growth noted was 2.3 which fell between small and moderate on the Likert scale (none: 0, moderate 3, greatest 5.0). The values were 2.42 (personal), 2.11 (inter-personal) and 1.60 (philosophy) for the 3 domains. The total PTGI score was greater for staff members working from home (57.8) compared to frontline workers (43.7) out of 105 points (P-value 0.004). For the AHRQ survey there was an improvement of 18% in staff perceptions of safety culture. Of the 8 indicators, 7 showed improvements compared with baseline while 4 exceeded the 95th percentile of the nationwide responses in 2018.ConclusionA fair to moderate degree of post-traumatic growth was observed during the pandemic, such as in areas of changing priorities on what is important, appreciation of life, compassion for others, and readiness to change. Least change was noted in religious beliefs and openness to express emotions. Staff perceptions of department priorities towards patient safety, effectiveness of policies and openness to staff questioning decisions improved substantially. Growth was thus perceived both at the individual and the department level.