Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth
... Posttraumatic growth is defined as the experience of positive psychological changes resulting from coping with trauma or harsh life events (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014); it is not a direct result of the traumatic event, but rather a result of the individual's struggle to deal with the event in its aftermath (Taku et al., 2008). While traumatic events can undermine survivors' core beliefs and schemas concerning themselves and the world around them, PTG models highlight the development of new beliefs and schemas about one's self, one's surroundings, and the world, all of which is important for survivors dealing with trauma (Calhoun et al., 2010). ...
... Three main components comprise PTG. The first is a change in trauma survivors' perception of the self, including a perception of high internal resilience (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). The second is changes in interpersonal relationships, referring to changes in survivors' sensitivity to others, as well as a feeling of greater closeness to significant others (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). ...
... The first is a change in trauma survivors' perception of the self, including a perception of high internal resilience (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). The second is changes in interpersonal relationships, referring to changes in survivors' sensitivity to others, as well as a feeling of greater closeness to significant others (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). The third is changes in life philosophy: that is, a change in the meaning of survivors' lives and their priorities, and seeing life as a gift one should make good use of (Taku et al., 2008). ...
This study examined differences between young women who are survivors of sexual violence and young women who are survivors of other traumas in terms of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and possible PTG predictors: personal factors (shame and self-blame) and social factors (social support and social reactions to the traumatic event). Additionally, the study explored the possible association between these factors and PTG among the two groups. The sample comprised 285 female trauma survivors, aged 18–30, of whom 128 were sexual violence survivors. Lower PTG was found among sexual violence survivors, while shame, self-blame, and receiving negative reactions were higher among this group than the other group. Among both groups, higher levels of PTG were associated with low levels of shame and high levels of positive reactions, but only in those who experienced sexual violence was PTG associated with high levels of self-blame. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
... In addition to these emotional responses, positive changes can be triggered in cancer patients [5], meeting the criteria for post-traumatic growth (PTG), which, according to the Calhoun and Tedeschi model, is defined as positive psychological changes that may occur as a result of facing highly stressful life events [6]. There is an explanatory model for the development of PTG that begins when a person is exposed to a highly stressful event, such as the diagnosis of cancer, which is related to the experience of a high degree of emotional discomfort. ...
... There is an explanatory model for the development of PTG that begins when a person is exposed to a highly stressful event, such as the diagnosis of cancer, which is related to the experience of a high degree of emotional discomfort. When a person presents a thought style, such as cognitive engagement, which is associated with problem solving and searching for meaning, he/she is more likely to develop PTG [6]. ...
... One of the ways in which repetitive thoughts can be adaptive is through emotional processing and reflection. In the post-traumatic growth model [6], the term cognitive engagement is used, emphasizing that it is frequently thought that it is not necessarily intrusive and that it includes memories, the search for solutions to problems, and attempts to find meaning during a stressful situation [17]. Meaning-seeking thoughts have been described as an effective coping strategy to overcome stressful life experiences [18]. ...
... Áfallaþroski er afrakstur þeirrar vinnu sem einstaklingurinn tókst á við þegar hann glímdi við áfallið og afleiðingar þess. Þannig hefur einhvers konar andleg uppbygging átt sér stað sem tekur mið af nýrri heimsmynd og nýjum og breyttum veruleika einstaklingsins (Calhoun og Tedeschi, 2014;Triplett o.fl., 2012). Einnig er mikilvaegt að muna að þegar talað er um áfallaþroska er ekki átt við að erfiðar tilfinningar og sársauki hverfi eða minnki. ...
... Breytt sambönd og samskipti við aðra eru önnur birtingarmynd áfallaþroska. Rannsóknir sýna að þeir sem upplifa áfallaþroska virðast styrkja sambönd sín við aðra, finna fyrir breyttum tengslum við fjölskyldu og vini, upplifa aukna nánd og traust og aukið frelsi til að tala um sjálfa sig og áfallið (Calhoun og Tedeschi, 2014). Þeir verða hreinskilnari og heiðarlegri og eiga auðveldara með að tjá öðrum skoðun sína. ...
... Einnig er talað um breytta lífssýn og aukið þakklaeti fyrir lífið og hversdaginn (Calhoun og Tedeschi, 2014). Hugleiðingar um áfallið og eigin dauðleika geta kallað fram hugsanir um tilgang lífsins, þann tíma sem er eftir og hvernig og með hverjum fólk vill eyða honum (Tedeschi o.fl., 2017). ...
Markmiðið með rannsókninni var að öðlast skilning á upplifun og reynslu grunnskólakennara af kulnun og þeim áhrifum sem starfsumhverfi hefur á kulnun grunnskólakennaranna að þeirra eigin mati. Stuðningur úr starfsumhverfinu var skoðaður í ljósi sjálfsákvörðunarkenninga Ryan og Deci (2017) um hvernig unnt sé að mæta sálrænum grunnþörfum þeirra fyrir sjálfræði, hæfni og félagstengsl. Einnig var sjónum beint að hvort og þá hvaða persónulega lærdóm, svokallaðan áfallaþroska, kennarar draga af þeirri reynslu að hafa lent í kulnun. Rannsóknir hafa sýnt að þeir sem upplifa áfallaþroska finna fyrir breytingum á þremur sviðum í lífi sínu; breyttri lífssýn, breyttum tengslum við aðra og breyttri og sterkari sjálfsmynd. Fyrirbærafræðilegri nálgun var beitt þar sem tekin voru djúpviðtöl við sjö starfandi grunnskólakennara sem höfðu lent í kulnun og snúið aftur til kennslu. Niðurstöður sýndu að það sem réð mestu var andlegt og líkamlegt álag sem og skortur á stuðningi á vinnustaðnum. Álagið fólst í að kennararnir þurftu að sinna mörgum mismunandi hlutverkum sem gátu stangast á. Þeim fannst sig oft skorta sjálfræði í störfum sínum og upplifðu að þeir hefðu hvorki hæfni né bjargir til að sinna þessum mismunandi hlutverkum. Í kjölfarið upplifðu þeir vanmátt og skömm. Stuðningur í starfsumhverfi kennaranna skipti þá sköpum, að finna að þeir skiptu aðra máli og upplifa að þeir tilheyrðu hóp. Kennararnir upplifðu allir að lífið væri á einhvern hátt betra en áður en þeir lentu í kulnun. Þeir töldu sig hafa nýja og breytta lífssýn, vera þakklátari fyrir daglegt líf, hafa breytta og sterkari sjálfsmynd og vera meðvitaðri um að rækta tengsl við fólk sem væri þeim mikilvægt. Rannsóknin varpar auknum skilningi á þann lærdóm sem draga má af kulnun og hvernig starfsumhverfið getur stutt kennara. Þannig má vonandi fækka í hópi kennara sem hverfa frá störfum vegna kulnunar.
... Además del estrés postraumático, otros estudios han descrito, también, la presencia de cambios adaptativos positivos después de eventos potencialmente traumáticos como el cáncer (Morris y Shakespeare-Finch, 2010). Uno de estos cambios es denominado «crecimiento postraumático», y se refiere a la percepción de cambios positivos ocurridos después de una situación potencialmente traumática (Calhoun y Tedeschi, 2006). La idea sobre cambios psicológicos -ya sea positivos o negativos-después de eventos adversos o altamente estresantes es algo que se ha discutido en la psicología desde mediados del siglo 20, con trabajos de Frankl (1963) y Maslow (1954; sin embargo, la atención sistemática relacionada a cambios positivos asociados a un trauma es algo que se ha estudiado de manera más reciente con autores como Calhoun y Tedeschi (2006). ...
... Uno de estos cambios es denominado «crecimiento postraumático», y se refiere a la percepción de cambios positivos ocurridos después de una situación potencialmente traumática (Calhoun y Tedeschi, 2006). La idea sobre cambios psicológicos -ya sea positivos o negativos-después de eventos adversos o altamente estresantes es algo que se ha discutido en la psicología desde mediados del siglo 20, con trabajos de Frankl (1963) y Maslow (1954; sin embargo, la atención sistemática relacionada a cambios positivos asociados a un trauma es algo que se ha estudiado de manera más reciente con autores como Calhoun y Tedeschi (2006). ...
... Después de un evento traumático, la persona puede modificar la percepción que tiene de otros seres humanos. Puede incrementarse el vínculo afectivo, particularmente mayor compasión por el sufrimiento de otros (Calhoun y Tedeschi, 2006). d. ...
Resumen La experiencia del cáncer representa un estresor importante, ya que involucra un grupo de enfermedades debilitantes crónicas que implican un riesgo letal, y, a su vez, va acompañado de una serie de eventos aversivos (diagnóstico, tratamientos y sus efec-tos secundarios). Esta experiencia, además, se ha relacionado con una serie de respuestas emocionales, como depresión, an-siedad y distrés, pero también con crecimiento postraumático (cpt). El cpt refiere a cambios positivos generados después de un evento potencialmente traumático. Uno de los mediadores entre el diagnóstico de cáncer y la respuesta emocional es el es-tilo de pensamiento. Se describen tres estilos de pensamiento:
... In reviewing the extensive literature, we found that PTG largely encompasses these varying conceptualizations related to growth and recovery after trauma; thus, PTG was used as the overarching framework for this study. Calhoun and Tedeschi (2006) described the process and stages a survivor faces to reach PTG (see pg. 8 of the Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth) and argued that these processes might be affected by sociocultural factors. Rumination, self-disclosure, or spirituality might vary based on a person's sociocultural background, and therefore, PTG may be experienced differently by people belonging to different sociocultural backgrounds (Taku et al., 2007). ...
... According to Bronfenbrenner (2005), a web of "interconnected systems" (p. 1) influences a person and depending on the proximity of a certain context or system, a person might be influenced by one more deeply and consistently than others. Calhoun and Tedeschi (2006) call these proximate cultures, "the small communities and social networks of people with whom an individual interacts" (p. 12), including family, peers, teachers, school teams, neighbors, or professional colleagues. ...
The aim of this research study was to explore the lived experiences of women survivors of intimate partner violence to gain insight into how sociocultural contexts affected the processes of trauma recovery and posttraumatic growth for them.
Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to design, conduct, and interpret data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Six participants who experienced intimate partner violence in past romantic or marital relationships completed initial and follow-up interviews.
Through in-depth data analysis and interpretation, five major themes related to sociocultural contexts that affected survivors emerged: (a) family, (b) friends, (c) schools and educational institutions, (d) community and neighborhood, and (e) law enforcement and judiciary agencies.
Findings indicate that supportive, unsupportive, or mixed responses from any of the listed sociocultural contexts can impact survivors’ processes of recovery and posttraumatic growth. Implications of findings and directions for future research are discussed.
... For growth to occur, the event needs to be disruptive enough to challenge core assumptions about the self, the world and the future. Reorganization of the assumptive world, including attitudes, values, identities, roles and relationship in an effort to process the event opens possibilities for change and growth (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006). ...
... While most PTG literature to date focused on individuals, the applicability of the model to human systems of any size has been discussed (Bloom, 1998;Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006;Waller, 2001) and illustrated relative to family systems (Berger & Weiss, 2008). To date, there is scarcity of knowledge regarding PTG in groups and the available data has focused on personal growth following participation in groups therapy (Lechner, Stoelb & Antoni, 2008). ...
This conceptual article focuses on the dynamics of ethnically/racially mixed groups in the encounter with a highly stressful situation. To inform the understanding of groups at the intersection of stress and racially mixed group composition, stress and group work literature is critically reviewed and analyzed. Anchored in theoretical, clinical and empirical literature about small groups as microcosms of societal structure and power relationships, specifically as it relates to race and ethnicity, group processes that occur when an ethnically/racially mixed group experiences a stressful event are discussed.The challenges that such an experience poses to the group are presented and illustrated by the use of anecdotal examples from the author’s national and international experience as a social work practitioner, educator and trainer. Implications for practice and directions for future research are offered.
... In addition, acknowledging that everything in life is temporary, including our loved ones, can enhance our awareness and gratitude. This aligns with research on growth following traumatic events, which has found that even life-threatening experiences can lead to increased spirituality and appreciation of life (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). Finally, impermanence may reduce the impact of negative life experiences. ...
... This method is particularly suitable for the purpose of the present study, which explores the lived experience of adult offspring of combat-related PTSD fathers. When exploring trauma, qualitative research offers several advantages due to its ability to delve deeply into the subjective experiences of individuals, thus providing rich and detailed data (Braun & Clarke, 2013) as well as contextual and comprehensive understanding about the occurrence of trauma, including social, cultural, and relational factors that shape individuals' experiences (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006;Herman, 1992). ...
Objective: The literature points to a wide spectrum of potential symptoms in different life dimensions caused by intergenerational transmission of war trauma. However, qualitative research on intergenerational transmission of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the perspective of adult offspring is scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine Israeli adults’ lived experience of growing up with a father coping with combat-related PTSD, including relationship characteristics and consequences. Method: Thirty Israeli adult offspring (19 females and 11 males) of combat-related PTSD fathers participated in the study. Data were collected via semistructured interviews and analyzed according to the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Results: Analysis yielded five themes: (a) Intergenerational transmission of combat-related PTSD symptoms relates to posttraumatic symptoms reported by participants in connection with their fathers’ combat-related PTSD; (b) emotional instability in father–offspring relationship relates to participants’ caution around their father and fear of his reactions; (c) parent–child role reversal describes excessive responsibility taken by offspring toward their father, leading to overdependence on the father’s part; (d) threat to family integrity relates to participants’ sense of financial insecurity and the disintegrative effect of their parents’ marital problems on their own family; (e) personal development indicates posttraumatic growth experienced by the participants. Conclusions: Interventions should address the emotional instability in father–offspring relationship, the possibility of a parent–child role reversal, and family disintegration. Interventions should also encourage secondary posttraumatic growth among offspring.
... When baseline scores for ADL or IADL were higher, the rate of depression development was slower in middle-aged and older adults later in life. This finding aligns with the concept of post-traumatic growth, which refers to positive psychological changes following adverse experiences [49]. These changes may include improved relationships, enhanced self-perception, and a general positive shift in an individual's life [50]. ...
Background
Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with both depression and activities of daily living (ADL and IADL). However, the role of ADL as a biological mechanism in the relationship between SES and late-life depression, examined through longitudinal data, remains understudied. This study explored the longitudinal mediation effects of basic ADL or IADL on the SES-depression link in older adults.
Methods
Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 4104) were utilized. Mediation analysis was performed using parallel process latent growth curve modeling.
Results
The average age of participants was 57.76 years, and 55.7% being females. Significant linear growth over time was observed in ADL, IADL, and depression. Adjusting for covariates, SES was positively linked to the initial levels (intercepts) of ADL (βiADL=-0.100[-0.143, -0.057]), IADL (βiIADL=-0.140[-0.185, -0.095]), and depression (βiDEP=-0.103[-0.158, -0.048]). However, SES showed no significant correlation with the rate of change (slopes) in ADL, IADL, or depression (P > 0.05). The intercepts of ADL (βiDEP = 0.566[0.503, 0.629]) and IADL (βiDEP = 0.607[0.544, 0.670]) were positively correlated with the depression intercept but negatively with the depression slope. Conversely, the slopes of ADL and IADL were positively associated with the depression slope. These results suggest a negative indirect relationship between SES and the initial level of depression, but a positive indirect relationship with the rate of increase in depression through ADL (or IADL) intercept.
Conclusions
Higher SES is associated with a lower initial risk of depression and ADL difficulties. However, this same higher SES may relate to a faster increase in ADL difficulties and depression among middle-aged and older adults. The findings underscore the need for increased governmental healthcare funding and improved healthcare accessibility. Additionally, maintaining adequate sleep and physical activity can help prevent disability and reduce depression risk later in life, particularly among older adults with lower SES.
... Research indicates that the level of PTG achieved is related to the stress levels caused by the traumatic event (Wild and Paivio, 2003;Linley and Joseph, 2004;Tedeschi and Calhoun, 2006). Support for this comes from a comprehensive study by Matos et al. (2021), which surveyed more than 4,000 adults in 21 countries during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. ...
Introduction
This study examines the relationships between perceived hope, posttraumatic growth, well-being, anxiety, and perceived threat of the Russian-Ukrainian War (RUW) in the Czech adult population. Drawing on the evidence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) amidst crisis, we hypothesized that perceived hope moderates the effects of perceived threat of war and anxiety on PTG.
Methods
Data were obtained from 1,000 Czech respondents via an online questionnaire ten months post-invasion. The form included measures of posttraumatic growth, perceived hope, well-being, anxiety and depression, and perceived threat of war.
Results
Our findings reveal that perceived hope acted as a moderator enhancing the positive effects of perceived threat and anxiety on PTG. However, perceived hope did not significantly moderate the direct effects of perceived threats and anxiety on well-being.
Discussion
This study highlights the significant role of hope amidst adversity and underscores its potential as a target for interventions aiming to foster PTG in populations who navigate traumatic experiences. Furthermore, it advocates for continued exploration of the factors interacting to enhance well-being and facilitate PTG in affected communities.
... Participants also reported growing through OI-related adversity, which suggests that resilience may develop from past adversity over the lifespan [53]. This subtheme closely resembles the construct of posttraumatic growth [35,[54][55][56], which involves previously held beliefs shifting to include new meaning following a threatening event. This is further supported by research in chronic pain literature that suggests that exposure to moderate lifetime adversity may buffer against future impairments and disability by engendering a sense of grit or hardiness [57][58][59]. ...
Purpose:
The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate resilience among adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI).
Materials and methods:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 adults with OI. Transcripts were coded and subsequently abstracted, yielding themes specific to resilience and coping. Interview guides covered broad topics including pain challenges specific to OI, mental health issues related to OI, and priorities for future interventions for individuals with OI.
Results:
Participants described resilience in the context of OI as the ability to grow from adversity, adapt to challenges resulting from OI-related injuries, and find identities apart from their condition. Psychological coping strategies included acceptance, self-efficacy, cognitive reframing, perspective-taking, and positivity. Behavioral factors that helped participants develop resilience included developing new skills, pursuing meaningful goals, practicing spirituality, and seeking external resources such as psychotherapy, education, and connection with community.
Conclusion:
Having identified how adults with OI define resilience and the strategies they use to cope, we can now develop interventions and guide healthcare providers in improving psychological wellbeing in this population.
... The personal development which occurs as result of living through a traumatic experience. This is the positive psychological change experienced as result of adversity [13]. ...
This study explores the leadership traits held by people in addiction and recovery. The research question sought to discover what leadership traits are found both in leaders and those facing drug and alcohol addiction, and in recovery from addiction. A qualitative methodology was used which included semi-structured interviews, observations, and a focus group which allowed the researcher to conduct thematic coding analysis. The participants came from diverse backgrounds and included participants from multiple regions across the United States. Leadership was defined as having elements of both transformational leadership and authentic leadership dimensions. The findings revealed that people in addiction possess numerous leadership traits which position them for effective leadership and are further developed during their journey into recovery. The top three traits which emerged from the data indicate that people in recovery from addiction are authentic, tenacious, and empathetic. Additionally, those in recovery have strong abilities to empower and inspire others and demonstrate posttraumatic growth which helps establish significant bonds of trust and commitment among followers. The purpose of this study is to hopefully change how people view addiction. Identifying the hidden treasures of leadership which are present in those struggling in addiction could illuminate aligning purpose with recovery efforts. This would not only advance treatment opportunities, but greatly assist organizations which need strong leadership. People with substance use disorder have all the right tools to become effective leaders, and this understanding can help mitigate the stigma associated with addiction and paint it in a more positive light.
... In beiden kulturellen Regionen wurde übereinstimmend von den Trauma-Patienten und -Experten auch Reifungs-bezogene Veränderungen als wichtige posttraumatische Kennzeichen genannt. Diese Veränderungen, die in verallgemeinerter Form als posttraumatisches Wachstum (posttraumatic growth) beschrieben und erforscht wurden [29], werden üblicherweise in der klinischen Diagnostik nicht neben die Symptompräsentationen gestellt. Studien einer eigenen Arbeitsgruppe zeigten allerdings schon vor einiger Zeit, dass negative und positive Veränderungen als untrennbar miteinander verbunden erlebt werden [30][31][32]. ...
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Für die Beschreibung von depressionsartigen psychischen Beschwerden in verschiedenen kulturellen Weltregionen hat sich das Konzept der kulturellen Skripte als sehr nützlich erwiesen. Der Beitrag stellt erstmals das Galaxienmodell und dessen Umsetzung in der Modellvorstellung der kulturellen Skripte theoretisch vor und verbindet diese mit der kulturpsychologischen Werteforschung. Mit einer neuen, umfangreichen Serie von Forschungsprojekten sollen posttrauma-bezogene psychische Beschwerden in verschiedenen Weltregionen untersucht werden.
Methoden Die Arbeit in zwei Ländern/Regionen begann mit Fokusgruppen, in denen Elemente kultureller Skripte durch traumatisierte Klienten und/oder von (therapeutischen) Experten zusammengetragen werden. Dazu wurde ein theoriegeleiteter Rahmen möglicher post-traumatischer Skriptelemente vorgegeben. In der Schweiz wurden Fokusgruppen mit Patient:innen und mit Expert:innen durchgeführt. In Ruanda und drei ostafrikanischen Ländern wurden Fokusgruppen mit Genozid-Überlebenden und anderen Traumaopfern durchgeführt. Die Auswertung fand semi-quantitativ statt.
Ergebnisse Als Skriptelemente wurden in der Schweiz ca. 50 Symptome und Veränderungen genannt (z. B. Trotzdem funktionieren müssen). Als Skriptelement in Ostafrika wurden ca. 100 Symptome und Veränderungen genannt (z. B. Verlust der Menschenwürde). Erste temporale Zusammenhänge (d. h. starke Skripts) wurden für die Schweizer Skripts gefunden (z. B. Selbstentwertung – Drang zu funktionieren). In der Ostafrikanischen Studie wurden zudem den Skriptgruppierungen zugrundeliegende kulturelle Wertorientierungen erhoben (z. B. Ansehen in der Gemeinschaft).
Diskussion Die hier vorgestellten illustrativen Ergebnisse belegen das Galaxienmodell und die Eignung des kulturellen Skriptkonzepts für die Traumafolgen-Erfassung. Es zeigen sich Unterschiede und Übereinstimmungen in den beiden bisher untersuchten Weltregionen. Weitere Schritte an den beiden Studien-Sites werden die temporalen Zusammenhänge und die Beziehungen zu Wertorientierungen sein. An den anderen Untersuchungssites werden die Studien in den Folgejahren gestartet.
... In the opinion of this writer, there is no better description of Post-Traumatic Growth than the above assertion from Epictetus. Tedeschi might agree, as he has made specific reference to Epictetus' outlook on adversity in his Posttraumatic Growth Workbook ( [93], p. 57), and he and Calhoun have acknowledged the Greek philosophic emphasis on how trauma can be "a catalyst for positive change" ( [94], p. 31) in an updated version of their original Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth [95]. Despite the intuitive connection, acknowledgement of Stoicism and PTG's common assertions is virtually absent in available research data bases such as APA Psych Info, APA Psych Net, PubMed, and others, as this author could only find two sources that passively allude to their kindred notions [96,97] aside from Tedeschi & Calhoun's aforementioned reference. ...
The self-help movement has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry in the 21st Century, as bookstores are continually replenished with manuals advertising previously undiscovered secrets of achieving happiness. These publications, however, along with newly refined versions of psychotherapeutic methodologies promising groundbreaking clinical impact, are often simply repackaging wisdom found in the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism; sometimes acknowledged, but more often not. Stoics were the first psychotherapists, and advocated for the reduction of suffering (today successfully done with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) and the promotion of Eudaimonia (a rare point of emphasis in modern treatment plans, though Positive Psychology has begun to successfully change this). Psychotherapeutic practice is caught in a loop of rediscovering truths that have been known for millennia, perpetuating a cycle of stagnation in the field of mental health that masquerades as innovation. The present article is a call to disrupt this cycle, and instead reconnect with Stoicism’s ancient guidance on how to flourish and live excellently, rather than continue to resell its wisdom using other names.
... Finally, the resilience thesis takes this reasoning one step further and posits that individuals develop coping skills when they face adverse experiences and are thus, in the long run, better able to deal with future adversities (see Scherg & Ejrnaes, 2022;Seery et al., 2010Seery et al., , 2013updegraff & Taylor, 2000;Winkel et al., 2003). The psychological concept of posttraumatic growth investigates how individuals develop positive coping strategies through adverse experiences (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2006;Linley & Joseph, 2005;Roepke & Seligman, 2015). This concept can be applied to adaptation processes in the face of repeated observed or experienced adversities in disadvantaged neighborhoods. ...
... Like we wouldn't know what happiness is unless we experienced sadness. Which is not a bad thing, it's actually better because with depression, depression is when you actually lose emotions, you lose the feeling of happiness and lose the feeling of sadness.' (Johanna,F,23) The inter-dependence of positive and negative emotions in this extract resonates with studies showing implications of PTSD for Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG, Tedeschi et al. 1998;Calhoun and Tedeschi 2014). This association is also pointed to in research focusing on asylum seeking, where positive PTG occurs when refugees find ways to make sense of traumatic experiences (Chan et al. 2016;Umer and Elliot 2021). ...
Both qualitative and quantitative research draw increasingly on measures of life satisfaction and happiness to evaluate how refugees are faring in countries where asylum is obtained. However, existing evidence is limited, in that these two subjective well-being (SWB) measures are included in research as either interchangeable or distinct components of SWB. After conducting in-depth interviews with refugees based in the UK, this article presents three important contributions. First, life satisfaction is considered by refugees as a global assessment of key domains in their lives. Second, refugees define happiness not only as an emotion but also as a personal disposition towards experiencing emotions positively. Third, there is a complex relational conditionality between these two components of SWB. While individual socio-demographics and experiences, including those of seeking asylum, bring nuances to the findings, these have significant implications for measuring refugees’ SWB in the UK and in post-displacement contexts more broadly.
... Most critically, this study showed a positive U-curve relationship between PTG and experiencing distress, that is, high levels of fear of COVID-19 are most associated with the greatest levels of growth. This may be due to several reasons: According to the theoretical model of PTG, positive change is a time-consuming process (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014), and although China, and Wuhan in particular, was the first to be hit by the outbreak, the Chinese government's proactive and effective response allowed the outbreak to be contained earlier in the world, so the Wuhan population has had a relatively long recovery time while the study was ongoing. Second, the Chinese government's swift and effective governance policies have, to some extent, empowered the people, which, from a collectivist cultural perspective, makes individuals more susceptible to being guided by positive signals from those around them or from officials to construct worldviews and core beliefs from a gain perspective (Kashyap & Hussain, 2018). ...
Objective: Recent studies have shown that the COVID-19 lockdown contributes to the psychological and physical stress of college students, who are forced to adjust to this tough time. The objective of this study was to explore how positive coping behaviors and fear of COVID-19 predicted posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese college students in Wuhan during the latest lockdown. Method: Chinese college students in Wuhan (N = 982) aged 18–30 were recruited and completed an online survey, which assessed the fear of COVID-19, positive coping, reflective rumination, and PTG. Results: Chinese college students reported high levels of PTG at the total scale (79.4%) and subdomains (83.7%). Fear of COVID-19 can not only directly influence PTG, but can also indirectly affect PTG through the mediating role of positive coping. Additionally, reflective rumination moderates the association between fear of COVID-19 and positive coping, whereby fear of COVID-19 promotes positive coping in college students with a higher level of reflective rumination. Conclusion: PTG in college students is the result of both positive behavior and reflective cognition during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Therefore, in order to promote students’ positive psychological changes, students should be encouraged to interpret situations positively and take proactive responses.
... Their turnover intention scores averaged 16.3 ± 3.0, which was significantly high. The secondary traumatic stress averaged 22.8 ± 6.5, of which 45.2% (112) scored moderate or higher (23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41), with a significantly higher mean of 13.8 ± 3.8 compared to turnover intention. The burnout scores averaged 28.3 ± 5.6, with 1.6% (4) in the high burnout group (42+) having significantly higher turnover intentions, averaging 18.5 ± 3.0. ...
This exploratory study aimed to identify factors that may influence nurses’ turnover intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected during January 2023 from 250 nurses and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Among the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, nursing care and working with personal protective equipment significantly impacted the turnover intention. Among the independent variables, compassion satisfaction, burnout, effort–reward ratio, and psychological distress were significant, with an explanatory power of 43.3%. Among the subjects, 86.4% (216 people) showed a moderate or high burnout level because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and burnout seemed to have a significant impact on turnover intention. Therefore, to lower the turnover intention of nurses, burnout should be prevented, and managers should create an environment where nurses can receive a balanced reward for their efforts.
... When enjoying PTG the focus is on the possibility of positive outcomes of the traumatic event instead of focusing on the negative consequences of the traumatic experience (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014;Ulloa et al., 2016). The five main changes in a person who enjoys PTG are; positive spiritual changes, increased appreciation of life, feeling of elevated personal strength (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004;Tedeschi & Moore, 2021), discovering new potentials in life, and enjoying improved relations to others (Chopko et al., 2019;Tedeschi & Moore, 2021). ...
Theories are an essential part of the knowledge base of each discipline. One of the missions of scientists is to develop theories and to keep on doing more research to further develop or correct theories based on evidence-based research. So, this is a process which never ends. Theories are developed and tested through research and once they have been sufficiently tested, they become part of science. The main research question was: What are the main components of the PTG journey of female IPV survivors? The aim of this paper is to describe the process of how we answered the research question by developing a theory on post-traumatic-growth (PTG) following intimate partner violence (IPV) from the perspective of female survivors. We aim to describe and explain it more comprehensively than is possible in a single paper where a theory is being introduced. We emphasize how we synthesized the theory by using own qualitative research and the accompanying unpublished qualitative data (transcripts) and then used systematic comparison of these to the literature. The method of theory synthesis involves three main steps: (1) specification of the key concepts and key statements of the theory; (2) a review of the literature to identify components related to the key concepts and key statements; and (3) organization of the key concepts and key statements into an integrated description of the phenomena under study. By using qualitative research results and accompanying qualitative data we were able to synthesize a theory describing the PTG journey of female survivors of IPV from their own perspective. In the presentation of the theory, we used text, tables and a figure describing and explaining their journey. We conclude that when synthesizing qualitative data and findings from qualitative studies into theories, a theory synthesis is a valid method. All theories must be tested and revised through concept revision and statement revision in the light of new knowledge. To further develop this theory, more research is also needed due to the gap of research in this field.
Keywords
qualitative research, theory development, theory synthesis, post-traumatic growth (PTG), intimate partner violence (IPV)
... Namely, there has been a growing recognition that some people grow and develop positive personal changes despite their highly challenging life situations (Calhoun and Tedeschi, 2014). This phenomenon is known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). ...
The main purpose of this study was to build a better understanding of potentially positive aspects of displacement experiences by examining a phenomenon called posttraumatic growth. The research was conducted with internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine, in the context of an armed conflict. The study was particularly interested in uncovering whether posttraumatic growth was experienced in the target population, as well as investigating predictors of the growth. In order to fulfil this, the mixed-methods research design wasselected and both a survey and face-to-face interviews were conducted.
Three key findings were produced in the study. First, the results showed that 61.48% of the sample Ukrainian IDPs reported at least a small or moderate degree of posttraumatic growth. Interviews with the IDPs provided concrete case studies of positive changes in the IDPs, which generated knowledge about the process of posttraumatic growth. Specifically, the growth has emerged through the processes of coping and meaning-making efforts. Importantly, the level of growth was significantly related to positive well-being of the IDPs.
Second, the study retrospectively examined predictors of posttraumatic growth following displacement. As a result, two extremely important predictors were found: cognitive processing and social support during displacement. In particular, positive reinterpretation and rumination were found as best predictors, with the largest regression coefficients. These results highlighted that IDPs who were capable of reinterpreting their experiences, making sense of the stressful situations and having access to social support were in the best position to develop positive changes following displacement.
Third, the research explored context-specific factors that may influence posttraumatic growth. Two factors appeared to be unique in the context of displacement in Ukraine. One was social disruption due to political separatism, and the other factor was relocation experience prior to displacement. Both provided insights for further research.
The main achievement of the study was to draw attention to the potentially positive
aspects of displacement experience, whilst previous work predominantly focused on the negative psychological consequences of forced migration. The importance of social support gives empirical evidence that humanitarian practitioners need to strengthen social networks among displaced populations. Moreover, the study suggests that it would be meaningful if future research works on developing how best clinicians can promote cognitive reinterpretation and rumination capacity among displaced individuals.
... Another form of resilience, referred to as post-traumatic growth, is discussed by Richard Hill (2012) in this book. Traumatic affects that impact the foundation of safety and security of an individual leaving the sufferer floundering in an unfamiliar and unsafe psychosocial environment (Calhoun and Tedeschi 2006;Hill 2012). Adversity, dealt with in this positive, strengthbased way can lead to better functioning, making it possible for us to relate to resilience as more of a process exhibited by an individual in reaction to a situation rather than just an innate trait of an individual (Rutter 2008). ...
This chapter presents an introduction to the two concepts of coping and resilience, with their varied dimensions, in order to unravel the concepts. The chapter begins with brief stories that show how individuals, groups, communities and nations display both coping and resilience every day. The analysis, after shifts to the meaning of every day stress and adversity that have become inevitable parts of our daily jigsaw puzzle of life; defines the contexts of coping and resilience, and brings in strengths perspective into resiliency and finally signals the efficacy of an inner strengths approach.
... Additionally, in line with prior research (Howard Sharp et al., 2016;Koutná et al., 2017), survivors' reporting their mothers to be responsive reported a relative increase in benefit finding over time. Combined, the results substantiate that the warmth of parental care, as perceived by youth, is a key component in how youth positively adjust to adverse events, such as childhood cancer (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2014). ...
Objetivo: Los efectos psicológicos a largo plazo del cáncer infantil varían, con los sobrevivientes de cáncer infantil informando síntomas depresivos, miedo a la recurrencia del cáncer y descubrimiento de beneficios. Dado que el cáncer se considera una enfermedad familiar, la investigación del contexto de los padres puede proporcionar información sobre las diferencias individuales en el funcionamiento psicológico de los sobrevivientes. Este estudio examinó la direccionalidad de los efectos entre el sentido de incompetencia de los padres, las dimensiones de crianza (capacidad de respuesta, control psicológico, sobreprotección) y el funcionamiento psicológico del sobreviviente (síntomas depresivos, miedo a la recurrencia del cáncer, descubrimiento de beneficios). Métodos: Este estudio longitudinal de tres ciclos (que abarcó dos años) incluyó a 125 sobrevivientes de cáncer infantil de habla holandesa (de 14 a 24 años, 95,2% diagnosticados <18 años, tiempo desde el diagnóstico de 2 a 22 años), 114 madres y 91 padres. Los sobrevivientes informaron (SR) sobre su funcionamiento psicológico y la crianza percibida. Las madres (MR) y los padres (FR) informaron sobre la crianza y el sentido de incompetencia. Se estimaron modelos de panel cruzados para la perspectiva de cada informante sobre la crianza de los hijos por separado. Resultados: Se obtuvieron diferentes relaciones para cada informante. Principalmente se encontraron relaciones unidireccionales desde el sentido de incompetencia de los padres hasta la crianza desadaptativa (control psicológico entre los informantes y SR de sobreprotección materna) y desde la crianza hasta el funcionamiento del sobreviviente. La capacidad de respuesta materna y paterna SR predijo positivamente el hallazgo de beneficios de los sobrevivientes y predijo negativamente los síntomas depresivos de los sobrevivientes, respectivamente. La MR de capacidad de respuesta y la MR de sobreprotección predijeron positivamente el miedo de los sobrevivientes a la recurrencia del cáncer y los síntomas depresivos, respectivamente. Surgió una vía inversa consistente: la capacidad de respuesta materna y paterna SR predijo negativamente el sentido de incompetencia materno y paterno, respectivamente. Conclusión: Los resultados respaldan los procesos impulsados por los padres que afectan el funcionamiento psicológico de los sobrevivientes y enfatizan la necesidad de enfocarse en múltiples perspectivas al investigar la dinámica familiar.
المقال تأليف جماعي من تقديم الأستاذة الدكتورة هالة رمضان وبمشاركة الأستاذة تالدكتورة حنان أبو سكين والأستاذ الدكتور محمد البحيري
Undeniably the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented threats and severe traumas for human beings. However, for a proportion of people, the struggle with this crisis has led to positive mental health outcomes, known as posttraumatic growth(PTG). This study compared the PTG levels between community residents and healthcare workers (HCWs)across two time points and identified the coping strategies that promote each PTG domain separately. An online questionnaire was administered to 2,437 respondents (499 and 253HCWs and 1157 and 528 community residents, at timepoints1 and 2, respectively). The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory assessed the five PTG domains and the Brief COPE the coping strategies. After controlling for gender, age, and education, ANCOVA showed a significant interaction effect; although HCWs had lower scores on PTG compared to community residents at T1, at T2 they had significantly higher scores. The coping strategies of positive reframing and religion positively predicted all PTG domains among both groups. Denial was the third most frequently used strategy, followed by active coping. On the other hand, certain coping strategies were unique predictors of specific PTG domains or groups. Self‒Distraction predicted community residents’ Personal Strength (also Behavioral Disengagement) and Appreciation of life, Emotional Support predicted community residents’ Relating to others and HCWs’ Appreciation of life, and self blame predicted HCWs’ Relating to others and Personal Strength. The identification of these compilations of coping strategies for each PTG domain can guide preventive training programs targeting specific coping strategies that need to be enhanced in each sampling group.
Background & Objective
Police officials who participated in war on terror were exposed to high frequency of traumatic exposures. Previous research suggests that exposure of war trauma can results in negative changes like stress and positive changes like growth. Our objective was to study the role of post-traumatic stress in relationship between war trauma and post traumatic growth among police officials.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study conducted from January 2019 to December 2022. The sample consisted of 400 police officials (having direct and indirect exposure of war trauma) who participated in war on terror in FATA Pakistan. Non probability purposive sampling technique was used for sample selection. Relationship among trauma, PTS (Post traumatic stress) and PTG (Post traumatic growth) was assessed.
Results
Findings from the present study indicated that stress played vital role in paving pathway from trauma to growth (β =0.08). Study results also confirmed that moderate level of stress is linked with positive changes like posttraumatic growth. R-square change in linear relationship among stress and posttraumatic growth was 0.59 but in curvilinear relationship among stress and posttraumatic growth R-square change was 0.77 which is higher than linear relationship which confirmed the curvilinear relationship between stress and growth and these findings proved that moderate level of stress after war trauma exposure produced higher levels of post traumatic growth. Conditional indirect effect of exposure to trauma on growth is highly significant (***p < .001) so the role of stress as mediator has been confirmed.
Conclusion
The study provided initial evidence that after trauma exposure levels of posttraumatic stress which is experienced play a significant role in the promotion of PTG.
Previous research investigated the trajectories of mental health and well-being during and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, less is known about the trajectories of mental health and well-being before, during, and two years after the onset of the pandemic. The aim of the current study was to investigate the trajectory of depression symptoms and subjective well-being (i.e., life satisfaction and positive and negative affect) trajectories over six time points (2017–2022), three before the pandemic and three after the onset of the pandemic. To increase the robustness of our overall conclusions and avoid reliance on data from only one country, we used data from two nationwide representative longitudinal surveys conducted in Germany (GESIS Panel study; N = 5184) and Switzerland (Swiss Household Panel study; N = 17,074). Using covariance pattern mixture models, the results revealed that a four-class model best fit the data. The Stable/resilient trajectory was the most common across outcomes (74.2%–90.1% of participants). Three additional trajectories of Chronic/Low, Upright U-shaped, and Inverted U-shaped emerged in the analysis of negative affect and depression symptoms, while distinct trajectory classes of Worsening, Improving/Stable, and Upright U-shaped also emerged for analyses of positive affect and life satisfaction shaped. In conclusion, there was no evidence of a long-term impact of the pandemic for the vast majority of participants (about 90%). For the remaining participants, the COVID-19 pandemic (along with its exceptional circumstances) was a turning point or a catalyst that reversed, accelerated, or flattened a pre-pandemic trend. These changes in trends were not only negative (e.g., greater depression symptoms), but also positive (e.g., less depression symptoms).
Background
Does experiencing adversity engender kindness, and if so, for whom? Two studies tested the hypothesis that adversity predicts increased pro‐social outcomes, and that this relationship is strongest for individuals who view others as good and trustworthy, or benevolent .
Method
In Study 1, a cross‐sectional survey design was utilized, and in Study 2 a longitudinal survey was conducted.
Results
In Study 1 ( N = 359), the number of lifetime adverse life events was associated with increased volunteering, empathic concern, and self‐reported altruism. The association of adversity and altruism was stronger for those with greater benevolence beliefs. In Study 2 ( N = 1157), benevolence beliefs were assessed, and in subsequent years, adverse life events were reported. The number of past‐year adverse life events predicted more volunteering and charitable involvement, but only among people with high benevolence beliefs.
Conclusion
Exposure to adversity may be associated with increased pro‐social behavior among those with higher benevolence beliefs. In part, this could be due to benevolence beliefs increasing the expectation that one's efforts will be appreciated and reciprocated.
This study examined the sequential dual mediation effects of mindfulness and deliberate rumination on the relationship between self-exposure to trauma and posttraumatic growth. Trauma experience, self-exposure, posttraumatic growth, mindfulness, and deliberate rumination were measured in 313 traumatized adults aged 20 to 60 living in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, followed by a bootstrap analysis as proposed by Hayes. IBM SPSS 25.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro ver. 3.5 were utilized for analysis. The study results are as follows. First, there were positive correlation relationships among self-exposure, posttraumatic growth, mindfulness, and deliberate rumination. Second, mindfulness and deliberate rumination were identified as partial mediators in the relationship between self-exposure and posttraumatic growth. Third, a sequential dual mediation effect of mindfulness and deliberate rumination in the relationship between self-exposure and posttraumatic growth was found to be significant among individuals with a history of trauma. The study results have highlighted the importance of supporting trauma survivors in their self-exposure process by fostering mindfulness to help them accept emotions, physiological responses, and thoughts as they are. This support deliberate rumination processes, contemplating the meaning of traumatic events, and subsequently, emphasizes the need to provide assistance for individuals to reach posttraumatic growth.
The association between post-traumatic growth (PTG) and cognitive empathy is well documented; however, few studies have tested the causal pathways explaining this association in school bullying victims’ later recovery and growth in the long term. This study used a longitudinal design to examine the reciprocal relations between cognitive empathy and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in school bullying victims. We screened 725 adolescents who had experienced school bullying as our final subjects out of the 2173 adolescents we surveyed over three periods (November 2019, 2020, and 2021). Controlling for gender, cross-lagged analysis revealed that both cognitive empathy at T1 and T2 predicted adolescents’ later PTG at T2 (γ = 0.096, p < 0.05) and T3 (γ = 0.085, p < 0.05), respectively, but the predictive effect across time points from PTG to cognitive empathy was not significant. The results delineated a specific directionality in the relation between cognitive empathy and PTG and suggested an important role of cognitive empathy in fostering school bullying victims’ later recovery and growth. These findings contribute to ongoing research into ways researchers and educators may help and support school bullying victims.
Background: Research on post-traumatic growth (PTG) and HIV is scarce and the relationship between PTG and stigma is controversial. Group psychotherapeutic interventions to facilitate PTG in clinical samples are effective but none exist to simultaneously decrease stigma in the HIV population. The main objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention in increasing PTG and decreasing stigma in HIV, as well as to explore relationships between the variables. Methods: Quasi-experimental design with a sample of 42 HIV-positive adults (M = 46.26, SD = 11.90). The experimental group (EG) was subjected to a 9-week group intervention. Instruments: CBI, PTGI-X, PSS-10, HIV stigma, emotional expression, HIV stress indicators, HIV literacy, and skills. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the variables. Results: There was an increase in PTG and a significant decrease in stigma in all domains and subscales in the EG. Compared to the control group, stigma (t(42) = −3.040, p = 0.004) and negative self-image (W = −2.937, p = 0.003) were significant, showing the efficacy of the intervention. Discussion: The intervention demonstrated success in facilitating PTG, attesting that in order to increase PTG, personal strength, and spiritual change, it is necessary to reduce stigma and negative self-image. The research provides more information on group interventions for PTG in HIV, relationships between variables, and population-specific knowledge for professionals.
The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the literature on post-traumatic growth in women who have faced intimate partner violence. Five steps outlined by Arksey and O'Malley were followed to carry out this review. When the 3,129 scientific studies obtained from the databases were evaluated according to appropriate criteria, it was reduced to 50 articles. A total of 11 studies were included in this study due to a special focus on posttraumatic growth and intimate partner violence. According to the literature, it has been observed that intimate partner violence is associated with post-traumatic growth. In addition, the effects of intimate partner violence and post-traumatic growth on divorced women are explored in the discussion section. Although a specific tool is needed for these examinations in the literature, there are currently no standardized screening procedures in use. As a result, it is thought that this study will shed light on the literature on recognizing and evaluating post-traumatic growth symptoms and indicators caused by intimate partner violence.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Anglophone crisis on the mental health of teachers in Bui Division, North West Region of Cameroon. The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design using an explanatory sequential mixed method. Quantitative data were collected using questionnaire while focus group discussions guide was used to collect qualitative data. Questionnaire were filled by 163 teachers, selected using simple random sampling technique while 18 teachers were purposefully selected for the qualitive data. The data were analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for windows where descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean scores and standard deviation were gotten. Equally SPSS was also used for regression analysis and tested the effects between the independent and dependent variables. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis method. The findings showed that terrorism had negative effects on the health outcomes or mental health of teachers in Bui Division from both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Therefore, the study recommends that there should be investment in mental health which will help to strengthen mental health of affected communities, providing counselling services and sustainable care options.
Background
Recent research identified that cancer bereavement can lead to post-traumatic growth (PTG). Although PTG and its correlates are well explored in cancer patients and survivors, persons bereaved from cancer have received scant attention. Therefore, the present review attempts to identify the correlates of PTG among persons bereaved from cancer.
Methods
A systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, Science Direct, Scopus, and Wiley was conducted to identify quantitative studies published in English, resulting in 12 eligible reports being included in the final analysis. JBI critical checklists were employed to appraise the risk of bias.
Results
The review identified 17 correlates, which were classified into four categories: demographic factors (age, gender, religious status, level of education), loss-related factors (time since death, quality of death, prolonged grief symptoms), interpersonal factors (relationship to the deceased, social support, attachment style, bereavement behaviours) and intrapersonal factors (resilience, coping, rumination, benevolence, meaningfulness, self-worth). Random effects meta-analyses on six correlates revealed correlation coefficients of age = -0.02 (95% CI: -0.35–0.31), gender = 0.27 (95% CI: 0.08–0.45), time since death = 0.09 (95% CI: -0.02–0.20), quality of death = 0.29 (95% CI: -0.01–0.54), prolonged grief symptoms = 0.22 (95% CI: 0.08–0.35) and relationship to the deceased = 0.13 (95% CI: -0.03–0.29). Fixed effects meta-analysis was performed for social support (r = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04–0.21). However, PTG was found to be significantly associated with gender, prolonged grief symptoms, and social support.
Conclusions
Very few studies examined PTG among persons bereaved from cancer, highlighting the need for increased attention, understanding, and conceptualisation of PTG in the population.
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated countermeasures had an immensely disruptive impact on people’s lives. Due to the lack of systematic pre-pandemic data, however, it is still unclear how individuals’ psychological health has been affected across this incisive event. In this study, we analyze longitudinal data from two healthy samples (N = 307) to provide quasi-longitudinal insight into the full trajectory of psychological burden before (baseline), during the first peak, and at a relative downturn of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data indicated a medium rise in psychological strain from baseline to the first peak of the pandemic (d = 0.40). Surprisingly, this was overcompensated by a large decrease of perceived burden until downturn (d = − 0.93), resulting in a positive overall effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health (d = 0.44). Accounting for this paradoxical positive effect, our results reveal that the post-pandemic increase in mental health is driven by individuals that were already facing psychological challenges before the pandemic. These findings suggest that coping with acute challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic can stabilize previously impaired mental health through reframing processes.
Traditionally, resilience has been viewed as a general positive adaptation to stressors. However, the hallmark of resilience – returning to the previous state following a perturbation – may also have severe downsides, which are often overlooked. Specifically, it may be unrealistic to return to the previous state or resilience may cause a person to become stuck in an undesirable state. In this article, we first call for a more nuanced theoretical conceptualization of resilience. To do so, we draw on insights from dynamical systems theory help to clearly define the role of a stressor and the idealized pathway to adapt to it. Then, we exemplify the potential downsides of resilience in the context of trauma and social adversity, learning, and goal-disengagement. In conclusion, researchers and practitioners should become more cautious with the term resilience and provide nuanced accounts for what they mean to avoid potentially harmful consequences.
The concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG) continues to generate significant interest, as reflected in the increasing number of studies. This article makes two novel contributions to existing scholarship on PTG. First, it seeks to demonstrate that the common framing of PTG as positive psychological change is too narrow. To do so, it looks to research on resilience and highlights the shift from person-centred understandings of resilience to more relational approaches that situate the concept in the interactions and dynamics between individuals and their social ecologies (environments). The article’s core argument is that there are social-ecological synergies between resilience and PTG, which, in turn, are highly relevant to how we think about and study growth. Second, the article empirically develops this argument by drawing on a larger study involving victims-/survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia and Uganda. It is important to note in this regard that there are no major studies of PTG focused on CRSV, just as scholarship on CRSV has given little attention to PTG (or indeed resilience).
In Portugal, there are over 7800 children with life-limiting conditions. The context of pediatric palliative care represents a complex and distressing experience for families. Compared to parental caregivers and healthy siblings, grandparents are underexplored in the literature and clinical practice. The aim of the present study is to propose a psychological experience assessment tool of grandparents in this context. It consists of a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and a semi-structured interview based on sharing a testimony with other grandparents. On the basis of the latter, 10 dimensions were explored through the grandparents’ own perspective: representation of the illness; representation of the sick grandchild; changes in routine and life; family impact; grandparents’ contributions to the family system; social support and coping strategies; emotional impact; triple concern; needs identification; and post-traumatic growth. The tool can be used in person or remotely and may be combined with other instruments. Its application enables a personalized identification of needs and challenges for each family, promoting the adjustment of the clinical intervention to their wellbeing and resilience from an eco-systemic perspective. The clinical tool is presented in detail and its importance in the context of research and systemic intervention is discussed.
Road traffic accidents can have profound psychological impacts on the individuals involved, encompassing both negative distress and positive growth. This study, guided by the conservation of resources (COR) theory, investigates the intricate relationship between posttraumatic growth (PTG), maladaptive cognitive schemas, and psychological distress in individuals involved in road traffic accidents. PTG reflects an individual’s ability to derive positive changes from adversity, while maladaptive schemas represent negative cognitive patterns. Using a 122 sample of individuals involved in road traffic accidents, we examined direct and indirect effects within this complex network. Our findings reveal significant direct effects of PTG on psychological distress (β = 0.101, p = 0.02). Particularly noteworthy are the indirect effects mediated by cognitive schemas, emphasizing the role of impaired autonomy and perceived performance deficiencies (β = 0.102, p = 0.05). This suggests that individuals involved in road traffic accidents experiencing higher PTG levels may indirectly experience greater psychological distress through these maladaptive cognitive schemas. This study not only advances our understanding of the psychological consequences of road traffic accidents but also aligns with self-determination theory, emphasizing autonomy and competence as fundamental needs. Individuals involved in road traffic accidents may undergo profound shifts in perspective following the trauma, which our results support. Recognizing the nuanced relationship between PTG, maladaptive cognitive schemas, and psychological distress is crucial for tailoring interventions and support systems for individuals involved in traffic accidents. As PTG can coexist with distress, interventions should foster adaptive growth while addressing maladaptive schemas to promote resilience in the face of traumatic events.
This chapter illustrates a contemporary postmodern narrative perspective on bereavement associated with an individual’s meaning-making, adjustment to loss, and resilient transformation. The narrative perspective of the resilience-enhancing stress model on a person’s reaction to grief and loss is discussed when a client tells and reconstructs a grand story of loss. The emphasis is on a meaning-making process that facilitates an individual’s or a collective’s transition to a new phase of life. The practice example describes portions of a family grand narrative, and excerpts from narrative interviews illuminate a story of individual and collective grief as a young client and her social worker go through the four phases of the resilience-enhancing stress model.
Eine multiperspektivische Studie mit Fokus auf Hemmnisse und Ressourcen der Lebensbewältigung von Kindern in alkoholbelasteten Familien
Die vorliegende Dissertation ist eine qualitativ angelegte Arbeit und unterliegt dem Themenschwerpunkt "Aufwachsen in alkoholbelasteten Familien". Das Ziel ist es, die subjektive Bedeutung des Aufwachsens für Kinder in alkoholbelasteten Familien auf die Lebensbewältigung zu erforschen. Im Sinne der Mixed Methods wurden zum einen siebzehn leitfadengestützte Interviews mit nunmehr erwachsenen Kindern aus alkoholbelasteten Familien und daran anschließend Interviews und Gruppeninterviews mit ExpertInnen aus dem breiten Bereich der Kinder-und Jugendhilfe durchgeführt. Mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse (Mayring 2010) und Grounded Theory (Strauss und Corbin 2010) wurden die erhobenen Daten ausgewertet und anschließend interpretiert. Dabei entwickelte sich der Fokus auf die Hemmnisse und Ressourcen der Lebensbewältigung. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich zum einen viele Hemmnisse der Lebensbewältigung von Kindern in alkoholbelasteten Familien finden lassen, denen zum anderen nur wenige Ressourcen gegenüberstehen. Insgesamt lassen sich daraus Leitgedanken ableiten, dass passgenaue Angebote zur Förderung der Problemerkennungs-und Problemlösungskompetenzen und auch des Beziehungsaufbaus erforderlich sind, welche die Kinder in alkoholbelasteten Familien unterstützen, Lebenskompetenzen zu erwerben und zu lernen, sich in ihrem Alltag "selbst Hilfe zu sein".
This dissertation is a qualitative study with a focus on „growing up in alcohol-burdened families“. The aim of this study is to examine the subjective meaning of growing up in alcohol-burdened families for children and its effects on future life management. In a mixed methods arrangement, 17 partially structured interviews with former children from alcohol-burdened families as well as several individual and group interviews with experts in the field of child and youth welfare were conducted. The data were analyzed and interpreted through the lens of qualitative content analysis and Grounded Theory. In this phase, a focus on impediments and resources in life management emerged.
The results show that children growing up in alcohol-burdened families face a great deal of impediments, but are equipped with few resources. This implies a necessity for tailor-made offers to support problem identification and problem solving competences as well as relationship building. This would support children in alcohol-burdened families in developing life management competences and in teaching them to „help themselves“ in their daily lives.
Portugal has been identified as the European country with the most rapid evolution of Pediatric Palliative Care provision, where approximately 7800 children have life-limiting conditions. This is a highly complex experience not only for the children and their parental caregivers, but also for their healthy siblings and grandparents. The present descriptive-exploratory study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the psychological experience of life-limiting conditions in grandparents. A total of 19 families, consisting of 15 grandmothers and 4 grandfathers, completed a sociodemographic and clinical data sheet and a semi-structured interview was conducted in which they shared their testimony. The results of the thematic analysis highlighted an integrated view on 10 important dimensions in the grandparental experience and promoted creative responses by means of their own perspective. However, it has some limitations, such as the small sample size and the data collection procedure via telephone. The results contribute to the design of specific intervention methodologies in an ecosystemic approach and suggest further research to explore more protective factors and communication with health professionals. For psychological intervention, it is suggested considering the identification of individual and family resources that contribute to the activation of key processes in resilience and posttraumatic growth.
This chapter describes the types of emotions that intensivists experience as a result of working in the ICU environment. These may manifest acutely or be delayed with the potential for long-lasting psychological trauma. Perfectionism is explored along with the issue of whether crying in the presence of families and patients is an appropriate expression of shared grief. The chapter ends by highlighting the need for greater professional psychological support for intensive care providers.KeywordsAcute reactionsDelayed reactionsCryingAngerFrustrationPerfectionismHelplessnessBlameHumiliationGuiltGriefInternalisation
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