Posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: The mediating roles of posttraumatic stress symptoms and self-efficacy

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a possible common reaction to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about correlates of PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines associations between combat exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), general self-efficacy (GSE), and PTG among Israeli female veterans. This is a cross-sectional studyA volunteer sample of female Israeli combat veterans (n = 616) and non-combat veterans (n = 484) responded to self-report questionnaires. Combat veterans reported higher levels of combat exposure, PTSS, GSE, and PTG, as compared to non-combat veterans. Among combat veterans, combat exposure and GSE were associated with greater PTG. Importantly, PTSS and GSE mediated the link between combat exposure and PTG. The study's findings are among the first to report about possible psychological growth outcomes among Israeli combat veterans. Clinicians treating female veterans coping with combat trauma should be aware of the heterogeneity of reactions to military service challenges and the importance of enhancing veterans' GSE to facilitate PTG.

Post-traumatic growth promotes resilience development: A Longitudinal Mediation Model

BACKGROUND

The frequent occurrence of global disasters poses unprecedented challenges to nursing practice. The frontline nurses in disaster relief are exposed to these events and bear significant levels of stress and psychological distress. Resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are essential protective factors that contribute to sustaining their mental health. The purpose of this study was to determine the directional relationship between resilience and PTG using a cross-lagged design. Furthermore, employing longitudinal mediation to test whether the T1 resilience of frontline nurses would promote the development of T3 resilience through the mediating role of T2 PTG.

METHODS

A total of 258 frontline nurses were selected as subjects. They completed self-reported measurements in three periods. The present study was conducted using a cross-lagged panel model and a longitudinal mediation model.

RESULTS

The results of cross-lagged path analysis from T2 to T3 showed that PTG could positively predict the development of resilience (β = 0.235, p < 0.001). Resilience did not positively predict the development of PTG (p > 0.05). The analysis of mediating effect results showed that the development of PTG at T2 mediated the relationship between resilience from T1 to T3.

LIMITATIONS

Findings may be limited by self-report, recall bias of resilience before the epidemic and short tracking frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

These results can identify individuals with an increased risk of low resilience under disaster and the mediating role of posttraumatic growth in promoting the development of nurses' resilience, which provides a theoretical basis for psychological crisis intervention and the resilience promotion plan for posttraumatic growth under disaster events.

Perceived posttraumatic growth: positive change occurring because of or despite the trauma?

BACKGROUND

Some researchers have posited that self-reports of PTG are often illusory, designed to help trauma survivors maintain positive views of the self. We examined whether participants might select an alternative, attractive option to reporting PTG that could similarly help maintain positive views of the self - reporting that the respondent experienced positive growth despite exposure to an adverse event, which we call Positive Change-Despite (PC-Despite).

METHOD

In two separate studies, after asking respondents about positive change they experienced following exposure to an adverse event, we then asked about the extent to which they experienced positive change because of the adverse event (PC-Because) or despite the adverse event (PC-Despite).

RESULTS

We found that participants rated 40% (Study 1 - undergraduate sample) and 31% (Study 2 - first responder sample) of their positive change as PC-Despite. Further, in both studies PC-Despite scores were positively related to measures of distress and both adaptive and maladaptive coping, suggesting a link with an illusory form of PTG. In contrast, PC-Because was only related to adaptive coping.

CONCLUSION

Participants chose an attractive alternative response to reporting PTG at substantial rates, supporting the notion that many self-reports of PTG reflect motivated biases and coping processes.

Mental health in genocide: Balancing between posttraumatic distress and growth among displaced Yazidi mothers

BACKGROUND

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) committed genocide of the Yazidis in Sinjar 2014, resulting in dispersion and enslavement. Research shows severe mental health problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors, but less is known about their resources and strengths, conceptualized as posttraumatic growth (PTG).

AIMS

are to examine the balance between symptoms and strengths among Yazidi women caring for their infants by identifying groups differing in PTSD and PTG, and analyze how demographic, obstetric, and infant-related factors associate with the groups.

METHOD

Participants were 283 Yazidi mothers with their 1-18-month-old infants displaced in Kurdish Region of North Iraq. PTSD symptoms were measured by Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and PTG by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

RESULTS

identified four groups: "Severe symptoms and low growth" (39%), "Low symptoms and moderate growth" (38%), "Moderate symptoms and very high growth" (13%), and "Moderate symptoms and low growth" (10%). Low education, economic difficulties and obstetric problems related to the "Severe symptoms and low growth" group, whereas newborn and infant health problems did not have an impact.

CONCLUSION

Effective help for genocide survivors should both alleviate suffering and encourage resources through tools of recreating a sense of cultural security and pride.

Coping with the long-term impact of civil strife: A grief-centered analysis of Tamil Sri Lankan communities affected by ethnopolitical conflict

Limited research has examined coping mechanisms in response to chronic war-related stressors, as opposed to war-exposure trauma. The current study sought to investigate the types of losses experienced by communities affected by the Sri Lankan conflict, how participants responded to their losses, and what coping mechanisms they employed. Data consisted of interviews from two independent investigations conducted following the end of the conflict in Northern Sri Lanka (total N = 103). Interview transcripts were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Participants most frequently described experiencing material loss and loss of loved ones. Relatedly, participants commonly reported experiencing ambiguous loss, that is, living with the uncertainty of their loved one's death. These losses were particularly pronounced by gender, with women experiencing higher rates of loss. Common coping strategies included support-seeking, including informal support from social networks and religion, and formal mental health services. Additionally, participants described a range of longer term coping strategies from establishing a future-oriented cognitive style to a sense of helplessness and resignation. The findings shed light on how conflict-affected groups cope with profound loss. We provide recommendations for how such findings can inform grief-related clinical interventions.

Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth Among Young Adults Coping With Parental Loss: The Role of Resilience and of Willingness to Seek Psychological Help

This study examined the roles of resilience and willingness to seek psychological help in influencing Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) among 173 emerging adults who experienced parental loss during their school years. A positive relationship was found between resilience, the willingness to seek psychological help, and PTG. Participants who endured loss over five years prior manifested increased PTG (New-Possibilities, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life sub-scales) relative to those with more recent losses. The multiple regression model was notable, accounting for 33% of the variance in PTG. Both resilience and the willingness to seek psychological help assistance significantly predicted PTG, surpassing other predictors in the model. It is worth noting that the type of loss, whether sudden or anticipated, did not alter PTG levels. In essence, this study underscores the enduring positive psychological impact of parental loss on emerging adults, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive psychological resources and support for such individuals.

What predicts personal growth following a deployment? An examination of National Guard soldiers through the lens of posttraumatic growth

National Guard soldiers experience unique reintegration challenges. In addition to managing the consequences of combat-related trauma, they also navigate multiple transitions between military and civilian life. Despite these obstacles, many soldiers report positive outcomes and personal growth due to deployment, a phenomenon most commonly referred to in the literature as posttraumatic growth (PTG). The current study explored PTG in National Guard soldiers using a multidimensional longitudinal approach, with the goal of validating reports of PTG in soldiers. Data were collected from National Guard soldiers at pre-deployment, reintegration, one year post-deployment and two years post-deployment. Informed by PTG theory, three PTG constructs were measured (perceived ability to handle stress, social support seeking, and purpose in life) at each of the four time points, with increases in these constructs indicating growth. Potential predictors of growth in these PTG constructs were also explored. Results from a repeated measure latent profile analysis indicated that PTG did occur in certain soldiers, and that higher optimism and less severe PTSD symptoms predict this growth. These findings emphasize the importance of making efforts to facilitate PTG in soldiers.

Self-compassion, childhood emotional neglect, and posttraumatic growth: Parental well-being during COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can be conceptualized as a trauma that created additional unique stressors for parents. Self-compassion might promote posttraumatic growth (PTG); however, parents with histories of childhood emotional neglect may struggle to practice self-compassion when their own affectional needs were unmet earlier in life, carrying implications for both parental and child well-being. The objective is to examine the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and pandemic-related PTG, and the moderating role of self-compassion.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey collected information from 436 parents (M = 37.62 years, SD = 9.31) across the U.S. on pandemic- and parenting-related stresses, childhood emotional neglect, self-compassionate behavior, psychological distress, and pandemic-related PTG. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze relationships among childhood emotional neglect, self-compassionate behavior, and pandemic-related PTG.

RESULTS

Parents who reported greater frequency of self-compassionate behavior tended to report higher pandemic-related PTG. Childhood emotional neglect alone did not predict pandemic-related PTG; however, for parents who reported less frequent self-compassionate behavior, greater childhood emotional neglect predicted lower pandemic-related PTG.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design and sample homogeneity limit both causal inference and generalizability. Limitations in operationalization of PTG and self-compassion constructs are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings emphasize the utility of self-compassionate behavior in promoting pandemic-related PTG, especially for adults with histories of childhood emotional neglect. Self-compassion is a freely accessible practice that individuals can implement successfully with minimal instruction. In terms of clinical relevance, therapists may be able to identify points of intervention wherein self-compassion may stimulate pandemic-related PTG.

Measuring the rate of psychological growth and examining its antecedents: A growth curve modeling approach

INTRODUCTION

Humanistic psychologists have conceptualized a tendency among humans to experience continual open-ended psychological growth. This study aims to measure the rate at which one grows psychologically using a novel growth curve modeling approach that addresses previous limitations. We also examine the effects of nine potential contributors to growth identified from the literature.

METHOD

Throughout the freshman year, 556 college students responded six times. Increments of growth were added up to create cumulative growth, which was then fit to a growth curve model to produce an estimate of the growth rate. The growth rate was then regressed on the Time 1 predictors to examine their unique effects.

RESULTS

Models fit well. Five predictors significantly predicted the growth rate after controlling for the average of other predictors. When all predictors were entered simultaneously, three predictors (hope, meaning, and personal growth initiative) showed significant unique effects. The growth rate predicted well-being and satisfaction at Time 6.

CONCLUSION

We successfully measured the rate of psychological growth and examined its antecedents. Follow-up analyses suggested that the predictors not showing unique effects may indirectly predict growth rates via the proximal role of the three significant predictors, an idea that awaits future corroboration using within-individual designs.

Deconstructing wisdom through a cultural lens: Folk understandings of wisdom and its ontology in the Philippines and Sri Lanka

In many contemporary societies, misinformation, epistemic arrogance, and intergroup conflict pose serious threats to social cohesion and well-being. Wisdom may offer a potential antidote to these problems, with a recently identified Common Wisdom Model (CWM) suggesting that wisdom involves epistemic virtues such as intellectual humility, openness to change, and perspective-taking. However, it is unclear whether these virtues are central for folk concepts of wisdom in non-Western contexts. We explored this question by conducting focus group discussions with 174 participants from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, two countries facing socio-political and economic challenges. We found that epistemic themes were common in both countries, but more so when participants were asked to define wisdom in general terms rather than to describe how it is acquired or expressed in daily lives. Moreover, epistemic themes were more prevalent among Filipino than Sri Lankan participants, especially when the questions posed were abstract rather than concrete. We discuss how these findings relate to the CWM and the socio-cultural contexts of the two countries, and suggest that a question format should be considered in cross-cultural research on wisdom.

Psychological well-being in Europe after the outbreak of war in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has had devastating effects on the Ukrainian population and the global economy, environment, and political order. However, little is known about the psychological states surrounding the outbreak of war, particularly the mental well-being of individuals outside Ukraine. Here, we present a longitudinal experience-sampling study of a convenience sample from 17 European countries (total participants = 1,341, total assessments = 44,894, countries with >100 participants = 5) that allows us to track well-being levels across countries during the weeks surrounding the outbreak of war. Our data show a significant decline in well-being on the day of the Russian invasion. Recovery over the following weeks was associated with an individual's personality but was not statistically significantly associated with their age, gender, subjective social status, and political orientation. In general, well-being was lower on days when the war was more salient on social media. Our results demonstrate the need to consider the psychological implications of the Russo-Ukrainian war next to its humanitarian, economic, and ecological consequences.

Examining the impact of major life events on the frequency and experience of daily social events

OBJECTIVE

Life events can impact people's dispositional functioning by changing their state-level patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. One pathway through which this change may be facilitated is changes in the experience of daily social events.

METHOD

We examined the dynamic relationship between major life events and the subsequent experience of positive and negative daily social events in a year-long longitudinal study (initial N = 1247).

RESULTS

Experiencing positive and negative major life events moderated the effects of positive and negative social events on event-contingent state well-being and ill-being in ways that were mostly (but not always) consistent with both endowment and contrast effects on judgments of well-being. Furthermore, negative life events predicted an increase in the subsequent trajectory of negative social events, while the experience of daily ill-being predicted the subsequent experience of negative social events.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the possible impact of major life events by explaining how they shape the subsequent experience of daily social events.

Do young people who self-harm experience cognitions and emotions related to post-traumatic growth?

Background

Adolescent self-harm is a vast public health concern with self-harm rates increasing each year. Looked-after adolescents are a group at increased risk of self-harm owing to adverse life-events and attachment issues, giving rise to difficulties with problem solving and relationship difficulties (Ogundele, 2020). Whilst research into risk factors of self-harm is plentiful, fewer studies have explored what factors might facilitate self-harm recovery. This paper investigates whether looked-after adolescents with experience of self-harm can experience cognitions and emotions related to post-traumatic growth (PTG).

Methods

Secondary Data Analysis was conducted on a primary qualitative data set from a study including twenty-four looked-after young people aged between 14 and 21 with experience of self-harm; 20 females and 4 males. An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was conducted.

Results

Five themes were identified, four of which shared similarities to prior research into the recovery of self-harm and manifestations of PTG: 1) Self-Reflection, 2) Communication, 3) Embracing and Appreciating Support, 4) Better Management of feelings. The fifth theme suggested a potential barrier to experiencing PTG; 5) Reliance on Self-Harm. Findings revealed four relevant themes suggesting that individuals who self-harm can indeed experience cognitions and emotions relevant to PTG.

Limitations

This study utilised a homogeneous sample, limiting the generalisability of the findings to other populations. Perhaps future research should consider other populations of individuals who self-harm.

Conclusions

We suggest there is a need for interventions for self-harm to focus on protective factors to increase PTG within an individual, potentially moderating the risk of suicide.

Daily emotional dynamics and changes in posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic depreciation among people living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic growth (PTG), and its negative reflection, posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), are two aspects of response to trauma. This study explores whether daily emotional dynamics (inertia and innovation) can translate into positive versus negative changes among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the form of long-term changes in PTG or PTD.

METHODS

The study combined a classical longitudinal approach with two assessments of PTG and PTD within one year and a measurement burst diary design with three weekly electronic diaries. In total, 249 PLWH participated in this study, filling out an expanded version of the Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory (PTGDI-X) and a survey of sociodemographic and clinical data. In addition, they assessed their positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) at the end of each day in online diaries using a shortened version of the PANAS-X.

RESULTS

Although we observed stable significant inertia and innovation of PA and NA across all bursts, these parameters of daily emotional dynamics were unrelated to the longitudinal changes in PTG and PTD. The same null results were also noted for the average levels of NA and PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated the relative stability of emotion regulation in PLWH over the course of one year and contributed to understanding its dynamic mechanisms in terms of trait-like characteristics. The null result of the relationship between the PTG and PTD change might suggest a weak role of emotion regulation in shaping these trajectories as well as a lack of validity of the PTG/PTD measures.

Do early life traumas moderate the impact of cumulative pandemic stress on anger?

Do early life traumas condition the psychological consequences of pandemic stressors? Using national data from the Crime, Health, and Politics Survey (May-June 2021), we examine whether early life traumas buffer or amplify the impact of cumulative pandemic stressors (CPS) on anger, an understudied measure of emotional distress. We examine two competing perspectives. The trauma amplification perspective posits that people who experience early life traumas are especially vulnerable to subsequent stressors, while the trauma resiliency perspective suggests the opposite, that people who experience traumas in early life are less vulnerable to subsequent stressors. The trauma resiliency perspective was partially supported by our analyses. Although early life traumas abated the impact of three or more pandemic stressors on anger, we failed to observe any attenuation at lower levels of pandemic stress exposure. We extend previous research by recasting the common stress proliferation model as a stress modification model and by focusing on feelings of anger. Findings are discussed in the context of social stress, mental health, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Encouraging inflated reports of posttraumatic growth: the presence of a wording effect on self-reports of posttraumatic growth

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes that result from a traumatic experience. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Stress-Related Growth Scale (SRGS) are the two most commonly used measures of PTG. One criticism of these measures is that all their items are positively worded (for example, "I have a greater feeling of self-reliance").

DESIGN AND METHODS

In the current paper, we conducted two studies that examined a possible wording effect in these two measures.

RESULTS

In Study 1, we found that positively worded items on the PTGI are positively correlated with the negatively worded version of the same items. Additionally, the positively and negatively worded versions of these items formed two separate factors, further suggesting a wording effect. In Study 2, we conducted an experimental design by comparing self-reports of PTG when randomly assigned to complete either positively- or neutrally worded versions of the items. We found that participants reported 27% less PTG when given neutrally worded items.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined results strongly suggest a wording effect that encourages overreporting of self-reports of PTG.

Posttraumatic growth and illness perception in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer during a challenging period of life. We aimed to (1) describe positive changes (posttraumatic growth; PTG) and illness perception, and (2) determine associations between PTG and illness perception, sociodemographic, and cancer-related characteristics in Swiss AYA cancer survivors.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based survey among AYA cancer survivors diagnosed 1990-2005 at age 16-25 years, who had survived ≥ 5 years. We used the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions.

RESULTS

Among 389 contacted survivors, 160 responded (61.3% male; mean age = 34 years, SD = 5.8). The mean PTG sum score was 54.63 (SD = 20.24; range: 8-101). Survivors reported high PTG especially in the domains Appreciation of life (mean = 3.23; 95% confidence interval, 3.05-3.40), Personal strength (2.94; 2.77-3.12), and Relating to others (2.57; 2.40-2.74). Neither sociodemographic nor cancer-related characteristics were associated with PTG. Survivors who perceived follow-up care as helpful (p < 0.001) and those with high concerns about the consequences of the illness (p < 0.001) reported higher PTG.

CONCLUSIONS

Finding ways to promote PTG and to identify and address maladaptive illness perceptions may help survivors transform their experience into something meaningful for their future life.

Predictors of post traumatic growth in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors: a cross-sectional survey

AIMS

Given the increasing number of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCT) performed world-wide, the increasing likelihood of survival following HSCT, and the profound physical, psychosocial, and emotional impact of HSCT on survivors, their carers and families, it is important to identify factors that may contribute to or support post-traumatic growth (PTG) after transplant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTG in an Australian cohort of long-term allogeneic HSCT survivors and describe associations between PTG and relevant clinical, sociodemographic and psychological variables.

METHODS

This was a large, multi-centre, cross sectional survey of Australian HSCT-survivors inviting all those transplanted in New South Wales between 2000 and 2012. Respondents completed the PTG Inventory (PTGI), the Sydney Post-BMT Survey, FACT-BMT, DASS 21, The Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) Activity Assessment-Patient Self-Report (Form B), the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale. Data was analysed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and pearson's correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression adjusted for potential confounders and to ascertain independent associations of explanatory variables with PTG.

RESULTS

Of 441 respondents, 99% reported some level of PTG with 67% reporting moderate to high levels of PTG. Female gender, younger age, complementary therapy use, anxiety, psychological distress and psychosocial care, and higher quality of life were associated with higher levels of PTG. Importantly, we also found that PTG was not associated with either chronic GVHD or post-HSCT morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study - the largest study of PTG in long-term allogeneic HSCT survivors - we found that growth appears ubiquitous, with 99% of survivors reporting some degree of PTG and 67% reporting moderate-high levels of PTG. Importantly, we found no association with GVHD or chronic physical post-HSCT morbidity, or adverse financial, occupational or sexual impacts. This suggests that it is the necessity for and experience of, HSCT itself that foments personal growth. Accordingly, healthcare professionals should be alert to the profound and wide-ranging impact of HSCT - and the degree to which survivor's may experience PTG. Identifying interventions that may assist HSCT survivors cope and building their resilience is of utmost importance.

Illusory posttraumatic growth is common, but genuine posttraumatic growth is rare: A critical review and suggestions for a path forward

Over the last 2.5 decades, trauma researchers have increasingly become interested in posttraumatic growth (PTG) - the concept that some people experience growth as a result of trauma exposure. I begin by reviewing extant research on PTG, with a focus on measurement and conceptual issues. Expanding on arguments made by others, I distinguish between three forms of PTG, 1) perceived PTG, which is an individual's beliefs about their own PTG, 2) genuine PTG, which is veridical growth following adversity, and 3) illusory PTG, which is motivated fabrications of PTG. Perceived PTG is extremely common, as over half of individuals exposed to a potentially traumatic event (PTE) report moderate or greater levels of PTG. I review evidence that most self-reports of PTG are greatly exaggerated and argue that perceived PTG is mostly illusory PTG. I propose five reasons for the disconnect between perceived PTG and genuine PTG, including design flaws in the current measurements, emotional biases that favor perceived PTG, the inherent appeal of PTG, cultural expectations, and problems of definition. I then review the empirical evidence concerning the prevalence rate of genuine PTG, coming to the bold conclusion that the occurrence of genuine PTG is very rare, contradicting current fundamental beliefs about PTG. I recommend researchers focus on the key areas of measurement and etiology of genuine PTG, which are necessary to create interventions that foster genuine PTG. I conclude by outlining a path to steer the scientific progression of PTG back in the right direction.

Finding Strength in Times of Crisis? Post-Traumatic Growth During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Saudi Arabian Perspective

This paper contributes to the Covid-19 literature by exploring the concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG) utilizing a mixed methods approach. The study examines to what extent the participants experienced positive growth and renewal arising from the prolonged period of lockdowns and emergency online learning. Exploring the experiences of 552 female undergraduate students in a private Saudi Arabian university, an online survey was utilized to gather the data. All the students had experienced online education as a result of the pandemic. The findings indicate the participants underwent a diversity of personal growth experiences. In addition, they also developed different coping mechanisms. The study provides insights into the responses of the students to the issues they were facing during the pandemic. It identifies ways in which participants experienced personal growth as well as a shift in perspective about their lives. There are implications for educators, counselors and policymakers emerging from this study.

Can respondents accurately self-report posttraumatic growth when coached through the required cognitive steps?

BACKGROUND

Coyne and Tennen [(2010). Positive psychology in cancer care: Bad science, exaggerated claims, and unproven medicine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 39(1), 16-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9154-z] argue that completing self-reports of posttraumatic growth (PTG) requires four complicated cognitive steps.

DESIGN

We conducted two experiments designed to (1) use mental chronometry (i.e., reaction times on cognitive tasks) to test whether respondents engage in multiple cognitive steps when completing self-reports of PTG, and (2) determine whether coaching participants to take these steps results in a more valid assessment.

METHOD

In Experiment 1, 310 undergraduates were randomly assigned to complete either the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) or Stress-Related Growth Scale (SRGS), and its corresponding current version that requires only one cognitive step. In Experiment 2, 306 undergraduates were randomly assigned to complete either a guided-steps version of the SRGS or the original SRGS.

RESULTS

Experiment 1 indicated a very small difference in completion time for the PTGI, but not the SRGS, in comparison to the current versions, suggesting respondents do not engage in the four required cognitive steps. In Experiment 2, participants reported less PTG when coached to go through the four cognitive steps, but the resulting scores were generally unrelated to measures of convergent and predictive validity.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that individuals cannot accurately report PTG, even when explicitly coached.

Examining individual differences in personality trait changes after negative life events

Personality traits can change throughout the entire life span, but people differ in their personality trait changes. To better understand individual differences in personality changes, we examined personal (personality functioning), environmental (environmental changes), and event-related moderators (e.g., perceived event characteristics) of personality trait changes. Therefore, we used a sample of 1069 participants who experienced a negative life event in the last 5 weeks and assessed their personality traits at five measurement occasions over 6 months. Employing preregistered multilevel lasso estimation, we did not find any significant effects. While exploratory analyses generally confirmed this conclusion, they also identified some effects that might being worth to be considered in future research (e.g., perceived impact and perceived social status changes were associated with changes in agreeableness after experiencing a relationship breakup). In total, our moderators explained less than 2% of variance in personality traits. Nonetheless, our study has several important implications for future research on individual differences in personality change. For example, future research should consider personal, environmental, and event-related moderators, use different analytical methods, and rely on highly powered samples to detect very small effects.

Posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic depreciation among people living with HIV: the role of resilience and HIV/AIDS stigma in the person-centered approach

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) among people living with HIV (PLWH) remains an understudied and controversial topic, and several research gaps need to be filled. In our study, we focused on one such gap by implementing parallel assessment of positive (PTG) and negative changes (posttraumatic depreciation [PTD]) following trauma related to HIV diagnosis, along with measurement of resilience and HIV/AIDS stigma and socio-medical data. The study sample comprised 509 PLWH, which completed the standardized psychometric inventories measuring the study variables. The results showed an unexpected positive relationship between PTG and PTD among participants. In addition, following the person-centered approach, we observed specific PTG/PTD clusters in the study sample with different resilience and HIV/AIDS stigma levels. Our study may shed some light on understanding PTG/PTD processes among PLWH and inspire planning for effective psychological help adjusted to patients' specific needs.

The role of resilience in daily experiences of posttraumatic growth, affect, and HIV/AIDS stigma among people living with HIV

This study investigated the intraindividual variability in daily posttraumatic growth (PTG) versus posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), positive and negative affect (PA and NA), and HIV/AIDS stigma among people living with HIV (PLWH). In particular, we examined whether this variability derives from participants' resilience operationalized on a trait level. The participants included 67 PLWH, who completed a baseline questionnaire on resilience, measured with the Brief Resilience Scale. Following this, they completed the shortened versions of the following inventories over five consecutive days: the Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation Inventory V Expanded version Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - Expanded Form, and the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was utilized to analyze the study results. We observed significant intraindividual variability in PTG, PTD, PA, NA, and perceived HIV/AIDS stigma. Resilience was related to PTG, PTD, PA, and NA but not to stigma. Moreover, higher resilience was associated with higher, stabler PA and lower, stabler NA. Our results highlight the need of further studies on the daily functioning of PLWH. Specifically, while health status is important, it does not appear to be the predominant source of everyday distress for PLWH. Consequently, psychological counselling for PLWH should concentrate more on the life of the person as a whole and not only on coping with HIV infection.

Behavior Problems, Self-Esteem, and Prosocial Behavior in Siblings of Children With Chronic Physical Health Conditions: An Updated Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Chronic physical health conditions (CPHC) of children affect the whole family. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare levels of internalizing, externalizing, and total problems as well as self-esteem/positive self-concept and prosocial behavior of the healthy siblings with children from families not affected by CPHC and test norms, respectively.

METHODS

A systematic search for literature was conducted using the electronic data bases CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, PSYNDEX, and Web of Science. In total, results from 216 studies were included in random-effects meta-analyses that had been published or made available online before February 15, 2022.

RESULTS

Healthy siblings of children with CPHC had elevated levels of internalizing (g = .18 standard deviation units), externalizing (g = .13), and total behavior problems (g = .22), and effect sizes were found to be small to very small. While levels of self-esteem did, on average, not vary between healthy children with and without a sibling with CPHC or test norms (g = .08), higher levels of prosocial behavior were found in the healthy siblings of children with CPHC (g = .18). In addition, some moderating effects of kind of CPHC and its intrusiveness as well as mortality risk, country, sociodemographic equivalence of the compared groups, and year of publication were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that CPHC of a child can have negative as well as positive effects on psychosocial outcomes of healthy siblings. Psychosocial interventions are recommended for healthy siblings at elevated risk for psychological problems.

Exploring the influence of cultural participation on the subjective well-being of victims in Mexico

Introduction

Considering the increasing incidence of crime in Mexico, it is necessary to understand the strategies that individuals utilize in response to victimization and the effects of this on their subjective well-being.

Methods

A generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) analysis with data from the 2012 Self-reported Well-Being Survey (BIARE, n = 10,654); dependent variables: subjective well-being (i.e., cognitive well-being and affective balance); independent variables: self-reported victimization (i.e., by domestic violence, community violence, and structural violence) and cultural participation (i.e., cultural attendance, engagement, and consumption).

Results

Results show an overall positive and statistical influence of the cultural participation activities on the subjective well-being of victims of community and structural violence (but not of domestic violence), because, for those who reported higher levels of cultural participation, the probability of better subjective well-being were higher.

Conclusions

Victims potentially coped and adapted to stressful and traumatic situations (i.e., experiences of victimization) via cultural participation activities. However, there are distinctive effects according to different forms of violence, which may be accounted for in formulating public policies related to victims. This has implications for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in improving the general quality of life of victims and the general population.

Dynamics of personality: The Zurich model of motivation revived, extended, and applied to personality

Personality researchers are increasingly interested in the dynamics of personality, that is, the proximal causal mechanisms underlying personality and behavior. Here, we review the Zurich Model of Social Motivation concerning its potential to explain central aspects of personality. It is a cybernetic model that provides a nomothetic structure of the causal relationships among needs for security, arousal, and power, and uses them to explain an individual's approach-avoidance or "proximity-distance" behavior. We review core features of the model and extend them by adding features based on recent behavioral and neuroscientific evidence. We close by discussing the model considering contemporary issues in personality science such as the dynamics of personality, five-factor personality traits and states, and personality growth.

"It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me": exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD

PURPOSE

This study explores the role of scuba diving therapy in growth experiences of ex-servicemen. Previous research has focused on difficulties arising from re-entering civilian life after deployment. Known mental health challenges occurring after severe combat related trauma exposure include depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, less is known about the potential positive transformation which can occur when individuals navigate these challenges. Known facilitators of this positive transformation, often referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG), are still sparse in this participant pool.

METHODS

This study utilized an in-depth qualitative approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis utilizing semi-structured interviews. A homogeneous sample of five male British ex-service personnel with a diagnosis of PTSD who identified with PTG was recruited.

RESULTS

All participants reported positive mental health benefits from diving with four themes emerging: human connection; meaningful leisure; embodiment; and the calm.

CONCLUSIONS

Scuba diving appeared to afford instant access to lasting relief of anxiety, stress, and symptoms of PTSD and reduction of physical symptoms of their trauma connected to underwater weightlessness. The reduction of PTSD symptoms carved space for PTG, facilitated through a meaningful leisure environment with opportunities for human connection with individuals who had gone through similar experiences.Implications for rehabilitationVeterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond less well to conventional treatments for PTSD than civilian populations.Scuba diving has the potential to benefit veterans by giving access to relief from anxiety and symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervigilance and invasive thoughts.Scuba diving not only reduces symptoms of physical and psychological ill health but can facilitate wellbeing and growth.Scuba diving, as a meaningful leisure activity, could potentially enhance medical and psychological therapy.

Still Standing Inside: A Local Idiom Related to Trauma among Namibian Speakers of Khoekhoegowab

Euro-centric psychiatric conceptualizations often ignore the interplay of local with universal factors in psychological suffering. Emic, locally focused perspectives can enrich etic knowledge to provide culturally sensitive care and to better elucidate the role of culture in mental illness. This study explored the idiom Tsûsa ǃNaeǃkhais xa hâǃnâ/mâǃnâ/ǂgâǃnâhe hâ (a terrible event has entered a person and remains standing inside), which was understood to relate to experiences of trauma and post-traumatic stress, among speakers of Khoekhoegowab, a southern-African click language. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants from six urban and rural communities in Namibia. Questions probed perceptions of the idiom in terms of etiology, course, and risk and resilience factors from a socio-ecological framework. Five key themes were identified using thematic analysis: origin in a shocking event; intrusive recurrence of memories, "it keeps on coming back"; the close interplay between mental and physical suffering; the importance of active engagement in healing through prayer and acceptance; and the role of the community in both alleviating and amplifying distress. Our findings highlight local norms and strategies for adaptive coping, and the benefits of exploring local idioms to elucidate the braiding together of universal and cultural elements in psychological distress.

The Personification of Chronic Pain: an Examination Using the Ben-Gurion University Illness Personification Scale (BGU-IPS)

Objective: Relying on anthropomorphism research, Illness Personification Theory (ILL-PERF) posits that individuals living with a chronic illness ascribe human-like characteristics to their illness. Herein we examine the personification of chronic pain using a new measure: the Ben-Gurion University Illness Personification Scale (BGU-IPS). Method: Three samples of chronic pain patients (Sample 1 and 2 are distinct samples sharing similar characteristics, collected in the context of a cross-sectional design, Ns = 259, 263; Sample 3: a 2-waves longitudinal, N =163) completed the 12-item BGU-IPS, and measures of pain and related factors. Results: An orthogonal, two-factor structure was revealed for the BGU-IPS pertaining to negative vs. positive personifications. Negative personification was associated with pain intensity and illness-related distress (e.g., depression and low adjustment to pain). Positive personification was correlated with hope, pain-related sense of control, and low depression. However, positive personification also augmented the associations between negative personification and several risk factors. Conclusions: Pain personification, particularly as assessed via the BGU-IPS, plays a major role in (mal)adaptation to chronic pain.

Do stressful life events impact long-term well-being? Annual change in well-being following different life events compared to matched controls

Available longitudinal evidence suggests that personal growth following adversity may not be as prevalent as suggested in cross-sectional research. Firm conclusions regarding resiliency versus post-traumatic growth following adverse events are further tempered by the restricted range of outcomes assessed when examining resilience, the focus on specific adverse events or cumulative adversity scores that hinder comparisons between event types, and the relative scarcity of analyses including matched control groups. The current study addresses these gaps by leveraging longitudinal panel data comparing annual change in well-being from 2018 to 2019 for people who experienced a major life stressor relative to propensity score matched controls who did not experience such stressors over the same period. Moreover, independent comparisons are conducted across three distinct event categories: traumatic interpersonal events (N matched pairs = 1,030), job loss (N matched pairs = 1,361), and birth (N matched pairs = 1,225), and five self-reported well-being indicators: life satisfaction, felt belongingness, self-esteem, meaning in life, and gratitude. Results indicate that people's well-being (across all five indicators) remained consistent over the year in independent analyses of samples experiencing each of the three types of events, and did not differ from matched controls. These findings indicate high population levels of psychological resilience, in the sense that people did not decrease in annual well-being following various life events. These findings also fail to detect significant evidence for possible post-traumatic growth, insofar as such growth might relate to a broad range of different aspects of well-being.

The Role of Emotion-Related Abilities in the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review

Breast cancer survivors have to deal with notable challenges even after successful treatment, such as body image issues, depression and anxiety, the stress related to changes in lifestyle, and the continual challenges inherent to health management. The literature suggests that emotional abilities, such as emotional intelligence, emotion management, mood repair, and coping play a fundamental role in such challenges. We performed a systematic review to systematize the evidence available on the role of emotional abilities in quality of life and health management in breast cancer survivors. The search was performed on three scientific databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) and, after applying exclusion criteria, yielded 33 studies, mainly of a cross-sectional nature. The results clearly support the hypothesis that emotional abilities play multiple important roles in breast cancer survivors' quality of life. Specifically, the review highlighted that coping/emotional management plays multiple roles in breast cancer survivors' well-being and health management, affecting vitality and general adjustment to cancer positivity and promoting benefit findings related to the cancer experience; however, rare negative results exist in the literature. This review highlights the relevance of emotional abilities to promoting quality of life in breast cancer survivors. Future review efforts may explore other breast cancer survivors' emotional abilities, aiming at assessing available instruments and proposing tailored psychological interventions.

Does infertility develop posttraumatic growth or anxiety/depressive symptoms? Roles of personality traits, resilience, and social support

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore levels of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and anxiety/depressive symptoms and the role of personality traits, resilience, and social support as predictors of PTG in infertile men/women.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In our cross-sectional study, 162 infertile individuals (40 men and 122 women) completed the research questionnaires, including PTG, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Fertility Problem Inventory, NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Perceived Social Support, Kobasa hardiness short 20-item, and Beck Inventory Depression (BDI-II).

RESULTS

The prevalence of PTG was higher than that of anxiety/depressive symptoms (55.6% vs. 45.7%/40.7%). Neuroticism (β = 0.54 ± 0.25, p < 0.03), extroversion (β = 0.69 ± 0.26, p < 0.01), and resilience (β = 0.33 ± 0.12, p < 0.008) were positive predictors of PTG.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Infertile men/women with high level of resilience, extroversion, and neuroticism may have more tendency toward personal growth rather than distress. Practitioners ought to direct counseling to promote factors of personal growth.

Sub-groups (profiles) of individuals experiencing post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

Some people experience post-traumatic growth (PTG), entailing positive changes such as a greater appreciation of life following traumatic events. We examined PTG in the context of the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, notably working from home and social distancing. We aimed to assess whether distinct sub-groups (profiles) of individuals experiencing PTG could be identified by how they appraised and coped with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

For this cross-sectional study, we used convenience sampling. In total, 951 participants from the general population completed an online questionnaire with items focusing on primary and secondary appraisal, positive reappraisal, rumination, and coping flexibility. For the latent profile analysis, we selected a sample of 392 individuals who had experienced moderate degrees of pandemic-related PTG, reporting at least two of the 10 positive changes in the PTG Inventory-Short Form.

Results

We identified two distinct profiles among people experiencing PTG. The first was characterised by low levels of primary appraisal and stressfulness and higher levels of secondary appraisal (e.g., resilient group), increased coping flexibility and greater use of positive reappraisal. The second was characterised by higher levels of stressfulness and primary appraisal (e.g., stressed group) and greater use of rumination.

Conclusion

The two sub-groups evidently appraised and coped with the COVID-19 pandemic differently. Therefore, future research should account for these different profiles of people experiencing PTG.

The mediating role of personal values between COVID-19-related posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction among Chinese college students: A two-wave longitudinal study

Despite considerable disruption of social order caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been said to contribute to positive psychological changes and influence on the perception of public life satisfaction. The present study aimed to explore the association between the COVID-19 related posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction and the mediating role of personal values. A two-wave longitudinal design was used. 226 self-quarantined Chinese college students (58.8% male) completed post traumatic growth inventory (Time 1), satisfaction with life scale (Time 2), personal values questionnaire (Time 2) between February 2020 and May 2021. Results showed that more than half of self-quarantined Chinese college students reported moderate to high levels of the COVID-19 related posttraumatic growth. A structural equation model revealed that COVID-19 related posttraumatic growth was positively associated to life satisfaction, and self-transcendence and self-enhancement values partially mediated this association. These findings shed light on whether and how pandemic-related posttraumatic growth influenced personal life satisfaction, supporting the outcome and process perspectives of posttraumatic growth as well as Schwartz’s value theory. Based on the findings, some positive psychology interventions, such as online rumination activities and mindfulness practice, were proposed to enhance self-quarantined college students’ posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction.

Trajectories of posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic depreciation: A one-year prospective study among people living with HIV

Objective

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD) are considered two sides of growth after trauma. Nevertheless, previous studies pointed out that in trauma living with a life-threatening illness, they may be experienced as two independently and share distinct predictors. In our study we aimed to find the different trajectories of PTG and PTD among a sample of people living with HIV (PLWH) and to investigate its predictors out of psychological resilience, and gain and loss of resources from the conservation of resources theory (COR).

Methods

We designed a longitudinal study that consisted of three measurements at 6-month intervals, and we recruited, respectively, 87, 85 and 71 PLWH. Each time participants filled out the following questionnaires: the expanded version of the PTG and PTD Inventory (PTGDI-X), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Conservation of Resources Evaluation (COR-E), and a survey on sociodemographic and medical data.

Results

We observed two separate trajectories of PTG and PTD within participants and found that each of the trajectories were related to different predictors from the studied variables. More specifically, we found a positive relationship between resilience and a descending PTD trajectory that stabilized over time. Gain of resources generally predicted a PTG trajectory, while loss of resources predicted the dynamics of PTD.

Conclusions

Including two parallel constructs, i.e., PTG and PTD, confirmed the independence of their mechanisms in growth processes among PLWH. The initial insight concerning the role of resilience and resources in PTG/PTD processes may inspire more effective planning for psychological help for PLWH, and it may stimulate studies on growth after trauma to further examine the two sides of this phenomenon.

Analysis of the Correlation between the Level of Posttraumatic Growth and Social Support among Caregivers of Children with Acute Leukemia

We investigate the current situation of stress burden and quality of life of primary caregivers of children with leukemia and analyze the correlation between their stress burden and quality of life, using the phenomenological research method in qualitative research. The posttraumatic growth experiences of the parents of children with leukemia included life perceptions (appreciation of life, change in priority of important things in life, and adjustment of self to reality); personal empowerment (increased sense of self-reliance and increased sense of self-achievement); and improvement of interpersonal relationships (increased family harmony, valuing parent-child bonding, benefiting from professional support from other parents and medical staff, and increased sense of empathy and altruism). The posttraumatic growth experiences of parents of children with leukemia are based on their roles (parenting) and responsibilities and can be used as an important basis for future trauma interventions, as well as an entry point for exploring the posttraumatic growth potential of parents of children with leukemia and ultimately improving the posttraumatic growth of parents of children with leukemia.

Trauma Exposure and Short‐Term Volitional Personality Trait Change

OBJECTIVE

Research into post-traumatic growth (PTG) finds individuals report positive changes in their identity, relationships, and worldviews after trauma. In a pre-registered 16-week longitudinal study, we examined trait change after recent trauma exposure to test an operationalization of PTG as positive personality change. We examined the influence of intrapersonal and social factors including motivation to change traits, perceived social support, and event centrality.

METHOD

Participants (n = 1004) reported on trauma exposure in past 1-month, centrality of each traumatic event, and social support. Participants with trauma exposure (n = 146) and a matched control group reported on their traits in 8 waves at 2-week intervals, and motivation to change traits in 3 waves.

RESULTS

Although some trait change was observed, it was not consistent with PTG. We found agreeableness declined in the trauma relative to the control group among participants who did not want to change in this trait. Conscientiousness declined for individuals with highly central traumas. Social support predicted increases in emotional stability, conscientiousness, and openness but only for individuals in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

We discuss the value of defining PTG as positive trait change and suggest future directions including assessment of facet-level changes and ideographic methods.

Experiences of Kyrgyzstani Frontline Healthcare Workers during the "Black July" of 2020: a Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

The peak of the pandemic in Kyrgyzstan occurred in July 2020 with highest infection rates, almost 1000 cases daily, compared to 100 cases prior to this date. The state health system was fatally unprepared to accommodate patients, mobilize medical staff, or provide clear instructions to the population. This study explores personal narratives of healthcare practitioners who were affected by and survived COVID-19 during the "Black July" of 2020 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

METHOD

Healthcare workers (n=10) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Interviews were transcribed then analyzed in accordance with interpretative phenomenological study guidelines.

RESULTS

The narratives demonstrated both post-traumatic depreciation and post-traumatic growth, resulting in changes of attitudes, lifestyle, and identity. An important aspect of identity shift included an emerging desire for increased self-care, which was characterized by resistance against a heroic Hippocratic ideal to "to save everybody".

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 is perceived as a psycho-socio-cultural phenomenon, which has transformed the identities of healthcare workers in the Kyrgyz Republic. Further research is recommended into developing rehabilitation programs for healthcare workers.

Disease-based traumas transform lives: A qualitative study focused on healthcare professionals

RATIONALE

Traumas occur at unexpected moments and become a turning point in life and can cause people to experience transformations. While these transformations can progress negatively, it is also possible for people to experience positive transformations after trauma (post-traumatic growth).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to reveal how the physicians and nurses with disease-based traumas make sense of their experiences to provide better insights into the transformative power of these traumas. Both social life and work-life were evaluated from the social dimensions of trauma. Also, the advantages and disadvantages of being a health professional in this process were examined.

METHODS

Qualitative research method was used in the study and data were obtained through interviews with 23 participants who experienced the case of disease-based trauma. As a result of the interviews, 253 pages of data were obtained. The data were subjected to thematic analysis and the Maxqda Program was used.

RESULTS

The data obtained through the interviews conducted within this attempt were categorized into parent themes such as being a health worker, post-traumatic transformations, changes in business life, and changes in the role of a service provider.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of the study, it was seen that the social relations, philosophy of life, belief systems, and self-perceptions of healthcare professionals were transformed after the disease-based trauma and innovations occurred in their lives. Also, positive and negative changes have been determined in the relationships of healthcare professionals who have experienced disease-based trauma with their colleagues and managers their sense of belonging to the organization, the way they provide health services, and their approach to patients.

Whose self-control development suffers or benefits in the face of adversity? A longitudinal study of Mexican-origin youth followed from age 10 to 16

This study assessed the co-development of adversity and effortful control based on a sample of Mexican-origin youth (N = 674) and their parents. We used a four-wave longitudinal design and followed target participants from age 10 to 16. At each time point, we measured adversity experienced by the children and their parents and children's effortful control (self- and parent-reported). We also assessed children's shift-and-persist coping strategies at ages 14 and 16. Across time, we found slight decreases in child-adversity and slight increases in parent-adversity. Based on bivariate LGC analyses, we found that the strongest effects surfaced for child- (vs. parent-) adversity. Specifically, we found that greater increases in child-adversity were associated with greater decreases in effortful control from ages 10 to 16. Moreover, we found a positive association between initial levels of child-adversity and the slope of effortful control, as well as a cross-sectional negative association between child- and parent-adversity and effortful control (at age 10). We found no evidence of moderation by shift-and-persist coping strategies. In sum, our results suggest that, on average, Mexican-origin youth exposed to more adversity might experience more maladaptive change with respect to effortful control.

Perception of major life events and personality trait change

Major life events can trigger personality trait change. However, a clear, replicable pattern of event-related personality trait change has yet to be identified. We examined whether the perception of major life events is associated with personality trait change. Therefore, we assessed young adults’ personality traits at five measurement occasions within 1 year. At the second measurement occasion, we also assessed their perception of a recently experienced major life event using the Event Characteristics Questionnaire. Contrary to our expectations, perceived impact of the event was not associated with the amount of personality trait change, but perceived valence was associated with changes in agreeableness and neuroticism. Exploratory analyses revealed some weak associations between other perceived event characteristics and the amount of personality trait change as well as interactions between perceived event characteristics and event categories in predicting changes in neuroticism. In general, effect sizes were small, and associations depended on the time interval between pre-event and post-event personality assessment. Results indicate that perceived event characteristics should be considered when examining event-related personality trait change.

Well-Being After Psychopathology: A Transformational Research Agenda

If one struggles with depression, anxiety, or suicidal impulses, what is the best outcome that one can hope for? Can psychopathology be a bridge to a better place where people operate with autonomy and self-mastery, enjoy healthy relationships, experience frequent positive emotions, and view life as meaningful and purposeful? Studies of national samples have revealed that a substantial number of people with depression, panic disorder, and suicidal impulses go on to achieve high levels of psychological well-being. We consider the practical and theoretical implications of these findings and call for a transformational mental-health agenda that focuses on good outcomes.

Insecure attachment styles as predictors of posttraumatic growth in a South African student sample

South Africa, as a developing country, is characterized by high levels of crime, partner violence, and other traumatic experiences. Exposure to these traumas may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder or, conversely, post-traumatic growth. Citizens in developing African countries appear to be at risk for the development of insecure attachment styles due to the cumulative effects of socio-economic risk factors. The prevalence of many possible traumatic experiences along with the risk of more insecure attachments set the stage for investigating the impact of insecure attachment on post-traumatic growth. The aim of this study was thus to determine whether two insecure attachment styles, namely anxious and avoidant attachment, were significant predictors of post-traumatic growth. The sample consisted of 233 undergraduate students from a South African university who had experienced a traumatic event. Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 33 years ( M = 21 years) and were from various ethnic backgrounds (81.5% Black African, 7.7% White, 9% Coloured, and 3.9% Asian/Indian). Two self-report measures were administered via an online survey to assess attachment styles and post-traumatic growth. Results showed that an anxious attachment style was a significant negative predictor of post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, individuals with an avoidant attachment style were significantly less likely to experience post-traumatic growth through relating to others, than along the other domains of post-traumatic growth. The findings contribute by highlighting the importance of considering how insecure attachment styles may impact post-traumatic growth, as this could inform the treatment of trauma victims.

What does a personality science approach to post-traumatic growth reveal?

Recent research has advocated for the value of conceptualizing post-traumatic growth as positive personality change. However, most research continues to use both methodologically suspect assessment tools and unsupported theoretical assumptions. How can personality psychologists contribute to the pursuit of high-quality research on this topic? The current special issue, which grew out of the European Association for Personality Psychology (EAPP) expert meeting on “Integrating Post-Traumatic Growth and Personality Change”, held at the University of Nottingham, on September 16–17, 2019, includes 15 papers that (1) examine short-term change in multiple personality constructs after adversity, (2) highlight the limitations of only assessing post-traumatic growth with retrospective questionnaires, and (3) provide theoretical and methodological recommendations for the continued advancement of the study of post-traumatic growth through the lens of personality psychology. While these papers all address specific ways to advance the personality science of post-traumatic growth, collectively they highlight the many unanswered questions that future research should tackle.

A longitudinal study of dispositional compassion in Syrian origin young adults resettling in the Netherlands

Background

Dispositional compassion is regarded as a facet of Agreeableness, an emotional driver of prosociality, and a primary marker of adjustment. We examined changes in dispositional compassion in Syrian young adults resettling in the Netherlands, as well as the role of migration-related and demographic variables in this change.

Methods

We analyzed data from a 4-wave (T1-T4), 13-month longitudinal study ( N = 168; T1 Mage = 28.1 years, 70% male) using Latent Growth Curve Modelling (LGCM) in Mplus.

Results

Bivariate correlations indicated moderate test-retest correlations across the four waves of dispositional compassion and several correlations with the migration-related and demographic variables. A LGCM indicated a high initial level and small linear decrease in compassion over the four waves. Except for a link between pre-migration adversity and the intercept, the migration-related and demographic variables were not related to either the intercept of the slope of dispositional compassion.

Conclusion

Results suggest that high levels of dispositional compassion may be common for Syrian young adults with refugee backgrounds, but on average, slowly decreases over time. The cross-sectional associations between migration-related and demographic variables and dispositional compassion in the absence of a prospective one emphasize the importance of longitudinal research for understanding trajectories of adjustment.