Gender Differences in Self-Reported Posttraumatic Growth: A Meta-Analysis

Latent transition analysis on post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth among firefighters

Background: Firefighters, in the course of their professional responsibilities, confront an array of stressors contingent upon the distinctive characteristics of their duties.Objective: This study investigated the longitudinal impact of trauma incidents during duty on firefighters using latent transition analysis.Method: Data from 346 firefighters in South Korea who had experienced trauma events while on duty were utilized. Initially, latent groups were identified based on the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Groups were labelled based on the analysis of differences in PTSD, mental health, and growth-related factors among classified groups. Subsequently, transition probabilities and patterns from Time 1 to Time 2 were examined, followed by an investigation into variances based on demographic factors (gender, age) and occupational factors (work experience, shift pattern) using variance analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis.Results: First, at Time 2, a five-group model was classified into 'Growth,' 'Resilience or Numbness,' 'Struggle,' 'Partial Struggle,' and 'PTSD' groups. Second, upon examining the transition patterns between latent groups, four patterns emerged: 'continued distress,' 'growth,' 'adaptation,' and 'escalated distress.' Third, the 'Struggle' group showed a 0% probability of transitioning to the 'Growth' group, whereas it displayed the highest probability among the groups transitioning to the 'PTSD' group. Fourth, latent transition analysis results showed a strong tendency for the 'Growth' group and 'Resilience or Numbness' group to remain in the same category. Fifth, age was found to be a significant factor affecting the transition of latent groups.Conclusion: This research represents the inaugural attempt to longitudinally investigate the interplay between PTSD and PTG among firefighters.

Adverse Childhood events of individuals and its relationship with resilience

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and psychological resilience in the Turkish Cypriot community and to identify the predictors of psychological resilience.

METHOD

The research was conducted with 354 individuals in a web-based online environment in Northern Cyprus. Data were collected using a "Personal Information Form", the "Adverse Childhood Events Scale", and the "Resilience Scale for Adults". Percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used in the data analysis.

RESULTS

In the study, 16.67 % of the participants were exposed to war or conflict when they were young and 10.17 % had a mental illness. In addition, it was determined that there were statistically significant and negative correlations between the Adverse Childhood Events Scale scores and the scores they got from the Adult Resilience Scale and the sub-dimensions of the scale. Female gender and education level predicted the scores on the Resilience Scale for Adults positively, and the presence of mental disease and the scores on the Adverse Childhood Events Scale negatively predicted the scores on the Resilience Scale for Adults.

CONCLUSION

İn this study, gender, educational status, presence of mental illness, and the total score on the Adverse Childhood Events Scale were determined to be predictive variables affecting resilience. Considering the research findings, it is recommended that nurses plan studies for the protection of the mental health of children and adolescents and the groups exposed to trauma should be psychologically supported to raise individuals with high resilience.

Exploring posttraumatic growth in individuals bereaved by suicide: A secondary data analysis of a national survey

This article explores the concept of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in individuals bereaved by suicide. The present study employs an exploratory approach to examine secondary data from a national survey. A sample of 2369 (n = 2369) responses were examined. Various instruments were utilized to assess grief experiences, social support, and personal growth. Descriptive statistics, correlational analysis and a hierarchical regression model were used to examine the relationship between the variables in this study. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed six independent predictors of PTG: social and formal support, time since loss, grief experiences, gender and multiple losses. The study highlighted the potential for growth in the aftermath of suicide bereavement, emphasizing the critical role of social support and the importance of time in promoting PTG. Despite some limitations, the present findings provide novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of PTG in suicide-bereaved individuals.

Identifying effective moderators of cognitive behavioural trauma treatment with caregiver involvement for youth with PTSD: a meta-analysis

Children can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health symptoms after traumatic events. This meta-analysis evaluated the influence of moderators of cognitive behavioural trauma treatment (CBTT) with caregiver involvement in traumatized children. A total of 28 studies were included, with 23 independent samples and 332 effect sizes, representing the data of 1931 children (M age = 11.10 years, SD = 2.36). Results showed a significant medium overall effect (d = 0.55, t = 2.478, p = 0.014), indicating CBTT with caregiver involvement was effective in treating PTSD (d = 0.70), with somewhat smaller effect sizes for internalizing, externalizing, social, cognitive and total problems (0.35 < d > 0.48). The positive treatment effect was robust; we found somewhat smaller effect sizes at follow-up (d = 0.49) compared to post-test (d = 0.57) assessments. Furthermore, several sample (i.e. child's age, gender, and trauma event), programme (i.e. the duration of treatment, number of sessions), study (i.e. control condition, type of instrument, informant, type of sample), and publication (i.e. publication year and impact factor) characteristics moderated the treatment outcomes of the child. In sum, the results of our meta-analysis might help to improve the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural trauma treatment for youth with PTSD, and guide the development of innovative trauma interventions that involve caregivers. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Posttraumatic growth, spiritual damage, and psychosocial and mental health problems in survivors of clergy-perpetrated child sexual abuse: A mixed methods approach

INTRODUCTION

Although clergy-perpetrated child sexual abuse (CSA) implies severe traumatic repercussions for the victims, they may also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG) deriving from the need to deal with the trauma suffered. This PTG is associated with the processes of recovery, healing, and empowerment.

OBJECTIVE

Applying a mixed methods approach to analyse PTG outcomes and to explore experiences of PTG in survivors of Spanish clergy-perpetrated CSA and its relation with psychosocial, mental and spiritual suffering.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-one survivors (M = 51.6 years; SD = 12.4) in the quantitative stage of the research, and seven (M = 49.3; SD = 8.9) in the qualitative stage.

METHODS

A sequential explanatory mixed methods study design was applied using standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive, correlation and thematic analyses were conducted. The quantitative and qualitative data were integrated.

RESULTS

Positive associations were found between PTG and psychosocial and mental health problems (r = 0.53; p < .01), damage to faith in God (r = 0.43; p < .05) and damage to faith in the Church (r = 0.48; p < .01). Three themes emerged from the qualitative data that explained, expanded, and complemented the quantitative results, highlighting the relationship between damage and growth and the specific meanings of PTG from the perspectives of the survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that survivors may develop PTG in the course of the processes of psychological suffering, spiritual transformation, and meaning-making of traumatic experiences.

Posttraumatic growth among mental health officers who treat soldiers with non-suicidal self-harm/suicidal behavior: The role of cognitive and personality characteristics

Mental health officers (MHO) in the military often encounter soldiers expressing distress, manifested in threats and attempts at self-harm and suicide. While these behaviors are a significant stressor for therapists, they may also be an opportunity for posttraumatic growth (PTG). We aimed to examine whether the relatively frequent exposure of MHO to soldiers who report thoughts, intentions, and attempts at self-harm and suicide is related to their PTG, as well as tested the contribution of cognitive variables (the centrality of the event and the challenge to core beliefs), and a trait not previously considered in this context, i.e. self-compassion to PTG. Self-report questionnaires were completed by130 Israeli army MHO. Of these, 98.5% reported that they are exposed to self-harm. The questionnaires were collected between the years 2020-2021. The findings show a positive linear relationship, as well as a curvilinear relationship, between PTG and exposure to expressions of self-harm and suicide, the centrality of the event, and the challenge to core beliefs. In addition, self-compassion served as a moderator in the association between exposure and PTG. The study validates the PTG model in a population that has not previously been studied in this context, and may lead to a broader understanding of PTG in this context. They may help in designing dedicated training programs for therapists dealing with reports of self-harm and suicidal behavior.

The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and posttraumatic growth: a meta-analysis

Background

Theoretically, stress is positively correlated with posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, evidence for a correlation between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a cancer-specific stressor, and PTG is mixed. The present study aimed to systematically investigate the overall effect size between the two and to explore moderators that may influence this relationship.

Methods

From the earliest available date to October 2023, a comprehensive search was conducted in seven databases. Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated using Stata software. Publication type, continent, trauma role, gender, FCR measurements, PTG measurements, sample size, age, and time since diagnosis were used to examine moderating effects. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) assessment tool was used to evaluate study quality.

Results

A total of 14 studies, involving 17 samples and 3,701 participants, were included. The studies found a small association between FCR and PTG (r = 0.161, 95% CI: 0.070-0.249, p < 0.01) and large heterogeneity (I2  = 85.5%). The strength of the association varied according to the publication type and FCR measurement.

Conclusion

The current review suggests a small but significant positive correlation between FCR and PTG. Future studies would benefit from exploring additional moderators and the use of standardized, validated FCR measurement tools.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023460407.

Sex differences in health-related quality of life and psychological distress among colorectal cancer patients: a 2-year longitudinal study

PURPOSE

While sex differences in the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) are well documented, less is known about sex differences in patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress. To enhance patient-tailored care, we aimed to longitudinally examine sex differences in HRQoL and psychological distress among CRC patients from diagnosis up until 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

Newly diagnosed CRC patients from four Dutch hospitals were eligible for participation. Patients (N = 334) completed questions on HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and psychological distress (HADS) before initial treatment (baseline), 4 weeks after surgery, and at 1 and 2 years after diagnosis. Also, HRQoL and psychological distress were assessed in a sex- and age-matched reference population.

RESULTS

When directly comparing female (N = 126, 38%) and male (N = 208, 62%) CRC patients, female patients reported significantly worse HRQoL, such as more insomnia at baseline, worse physical and role functioning 4 weeks after surgery, more diarrhea at 1 year, and more pain and constipation at 2-year follow-up. However, a comparison with the reference population revealed larger differences between patients and reference in males than in females. For example, at 1- and 2-year follow-up, male patients reported significantly worse cognitive and social functioning, more insomnia, and more anxiety compared with a reference population.

CONCLUSIONS

Especially male CRC patients reported worse HRQoL and more psychological distress when compared with a reference population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Knowledge of sex-specific differences in HRQoL and psychological distress among CRC patients may help healthcare providers anticipate and appropriately address patients' unique healthcare needs.

Sex and Psychosocial Differences in Acute Stress Symptoms Prior to Open-Heart Surgery

BACKGROUND

Acute stress symptoms can occur while cardiac patients await open-heart surgery (OHS). The distress leads to poor outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association of sex and psychosocial factors (quality-of-life and character strengths).

METHOD

Our study cohort included 481 pre-OHS patients (female 42%; mean age 62 years). Medical indices/factors were obtained from the Society of Thoracic Surgeon's national database. Multiple regression analyses were performed following pre-planned steps and adjusting medical factors.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that sex differences in trauma-related symptoms were associated with poor mental well-being, alongside comorbidities. Both mental well-being and comorbidity factors were directly related to acute stress symptoms, while dispositional optimism had an inverse association with this outcome.

CONCLUSION

To improve OHS outcomes, our findings suggest healthcare providers be attentive to pre-OHS acute stress symptoms, pay greater attention to the emotional well-being of their female patients, and develop supportive interventions to enhance personality strengths.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in the Ethiopian population dwelling in war-affected communities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern globally, particularly prevalent in populations exposed to war and conflict. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the prevalence and factors associated with PTSD among the Ethiopian population residing in war-affected communities.

Methods

The review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Related eligible published articles were searched in electronic online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Google, which reported the prevalence and risk factors of PTSD among people dwelling in the war-affected area until January 2024. The relevant data was extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 11. The estimated pooled prevalence and risk factors were estimated using a random effect model. The potential risk of publication bias was checked using a funnel plot and Egger's statistical test.

Results

A total of nine published studies with 6107 participants were analyzed in this meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of PTSD among people living in war-affected areas was 48.4%, with a 95% CI (37.1, 59.8). This study found a higher prevalence of PTSD among women than men. Being female (OR= 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.3), witnessing a murder of a loved one (OR= 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.5), depression symptoms (OR= 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4, 5.6), and anxiety symptoms (OR= 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4, 8.0), a close family member killed or seriously injured (OR= 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 7.7), a moderate and high perceived threat to life (OR= 3.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 9.1), and poor social support (OR= 4.4, 95% CI: 1.1, 18.7) were associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

The result of this study shows the high prevalence rate of PTSD in people living in war-affected areas. disparities in PTSD prevalence, with women being at higher risk, and identified risk factors were witnessing the murder of a loved one, experiencing depression and anxiety, and perceived threat to life. Addressing PTSD in war-affected communities requires comprehensive interventions that consider both individual and contextual factors.

Systematic review registration

www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024501384.

The underlying mechanisms by which Post-Traumatic Growth is associated with cardiovascular health in male UK military personnel: The ADVANCE cohort study

Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) is associated with good cardiovascular health, but the mechanisms of this are poorly understood. This cross-sectional analysis assessed whether factors of PTG (Appreciation of Life (AOL), New Possibilities (NP), Personal Strength (PS), Relating to Others (RTO) and Spiritual Change (SC)) are associated with cardiovascular health in a cohort of 1006 male UK military personnel (median age 34). The findings suggest AOL, PS and RTO are associated with better cardiovascular health through cardiometabolic effects (lower levels of triglycerides, and total cholesterol) and haemodynamic functioning (lower diastolic blood pressure), but not inflammation. However, NP and SC were associated with poorer cardiovascular health through cardiometabolic effects (lower levels of high-density lipoproteins and higher levels of total cholesterol) and AOL had a non-linear association with low-density lipoproteins. These findings suggest that the relationship between PTG and cardiovascular functioning is complex and in need of further scrutiny.

Correlates of post-traumatic growth among persons bereaved from cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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.

Posttraumatic Growth in U.S. Military Veterans: Results from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

Despite increasing recognition that positive psychological changes or posttraumatic growth (PTG) may develop after highly stressful or traumatic events, contemporary population-based data on the epidemiology of PTG in high-risk samples such as U.S. military veterans are lacking. Additionally, in light of emerging evidence suggesting an 8-factor model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, an up-to-date characterization of how these symptom clusters relate to PTG can help inform efforts to help promote PTG. Data were analyzed from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 3,847 trauma-exposed U.S. veterans. Participants completed assessments of potentially traumatic events, PTSD symptoms, and PTG, as well as a broad range of sociodemographic, military, trauma, health, personality, and psychosocial characteristics. Results revealed that 63.2% of trauma-exposed veterans and 86.4% of veterans who screened positive for PTSD endorsed moderate-or-greater PTG; these prevalences are higher than those reported in an independent U.S. veteran sample in 2011 (50.1% and 72.0%, respectively). An inverted U-shaped association was observed between PTSD symptom severity and PTG levels, with scores of 31 to 51 on the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 associated with the highest likelihood of PTG. Intrinsic religiosity and internally- and externally-generated intrusive symptoms of PTSD were identified as the strongest correlates of PTG. Results suggest that prevention and treatment efforts to mitigate severe PTSD symptoms, and help promote intrinsic religiosity, and more deliberate and organized rumination about traumatic experiences may help foster PTG in veterans.

A Systematic Review and New Analyses of the Gender-Equality Paradox

Some studies show that living conditions, such as economy, gender equality, and education, are associated with the magnitude of psychological sex differences. We systematically and quantitatively reviewed 54 articles and conducted new analyses on 27 meta-analyses and large-scale studies to investigate the association between living conditions and psychological sex differences. We found that sex differences in personality, verbal abilities, episodic memory, and negative emotions are more pronounced in countries with higher living conditions. In contrast, sex differences in sexual behavior, partner preferences, and math are smaller in countries with higher living conditions. We also observed that economic indicators of living conditions, such as gross domestic product, are most sensitive in predicting the magnitude of sex differences. Taken together, results indicate that more sex differences are larger, rather than smaller, in countries with higher living conditions. It should therefore be expected that the magnitude of most psychological sex differences will remain unchanged or become more pronounced with improvements in living conditions, such as economy, gender equality, and education.

Positive and negative aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of US adults: an exploratory mixed-methods analysis of online survey data

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound social and economic impact across the United States due to the lockdowns and consequent changes to everyday activities in social spaces.

METHODS

The COVID-19's Unequal Racial Burden (CURB) survey was a nationally representative, online survey of 5,500 American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latino (English- and Spanish-speaking), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, White, and multiracial adults living in the U.S. For this analysis, we used data from the 1,931 participants who responded to the 6-month follow-up survey conducted between 8/16/2021-9/9/2021. As part of the follow-up survey, participants were asked "What was the worst thing about the pandemic that you experienced?" and "Was there anything positive in your life that resulted from the pandemic?" Verbatim responses were coded independently by two coders using open and axial coding techniques to identify salient themes, definitions of themes, and illustrative quotes, with reconciliation across coders. Chi-square tests were used to estimate the association between sociodemographics and salient themes.

RESULTS

Commonly reported negative themes among participants reflected disrupted lifestyle/routine (27.4%), not seeing family and friends (9.8%), and negative economic impacts (10.0%). Positive themes included improved relationships (16.9%), improved financial situation (10.1%), and positive employment changes (9.8%). Differences in themes were seen across race-ethnicity, gender, and age; for example, adults ≥ 65 years old, compared to adults 18-64, were more likely to report disrupted routine/lifestyle (37.6% vs. 24.2%, p < 0.001) as a negative aspect of the pandemic, and Spanish-speaking Latino adults were much more likely to report improved relationships compared to other racial-ethnic groups (31.1% vs. 14.8-18.6%, p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

Positive and negative experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic varied widely and differed across race-ethnicity, gender, and age. Future public health interventions should work to mitigate negative social and economic impacts and facilitate posttraumatic growth associated with pandemics.

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the 10-item Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), the 8- and 10-item post-traumatic growth inventory-short form (PTGI-SF) scales

BACKGROUND

Given their clinical significance and impact on stress response and their potential malleability, resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG) should receive greater attention as relevant constructs in clinical and research practice in the Arab context. We aimed through the present study to test the psychometric properties of Arabic translations of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience scale (CD-RISC-10), the 10-item and the 8-item Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF) in a sample of Lebanese adults from the general population.

METHODS

Three hundred eighty-seven Arabic-speaking participants (mean age = 26.17; 58.4% females) responded to a self-report web-based questionnaire. The forward and backward translation method was applied with the approval of the original developers of the scales.

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that fit of the one-factor model was acceptable, and all indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender for all the three scales. The CD-RISC-10, the 10-item and the 8-item PTGI-SF yielded a good internal consistency, with a McDonald's ω of .89, .95, and .93, respectively. Higher resilience and higher PTG were significantly and positively associated with greater cognitive reappraisal and lower emotion suppression, supporting convergent validity.

CONCLUSION

We preliminarily suggest that these Arabic instruments are appropriate for use in Lebanese community adults to assess different positive responses after life crises, identify people with lack or low levels of resilience and growth who might need intervention, and monitor their response to therapy. Further cross-cultural validations should seek to extend their use in broader Arabic-speaking populations and settings.

'Now I Have Dreams in Place of the Nightmares': An Updated Systematic Review of Post-Traumatic Growth Among Refugee Populations

Trauma exposure places refugees at serious risk of developing mental health difficulties. However, research also recognizes that refugees can respond to trauma with psychological development and growth, commonly referred to as post-traumatic growth (PTG). An updated systematic review was conducted to investigate PTG across different refugee populations, including the processes that mediate this phenomenon, and the use of therapy in promoting PTG. A systematic search of CINAHL Complete, Proquest 5000, PsychINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed to identify studies exploring PTG in refugee populations, published between June 2013 and November 2021. In all, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Quantitative results reveal a positive correlation between PTG and religious commitment and coping, and the effectiveness of narrative and community-based interventions in facilitating PTG. Qualitative results facilitate insight into the complex ways refugees find meaning and strength after trauma through religion, comparison-based thinking, helping others, and storytelling. Findings highlight the need for future research and interventions to recognize the distinct PTG experiences of different refugee populations.

Latent profile analysis of post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth among firefighters

Background: Due to the job characteristics, firefighters are repeatedly exposed to trauma incidents. However, not all firefighters exhibit the same level of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic growth (PTG). Despite this, few studies have looked into firefighters' PTSD and PTG.Objective: This study identified subgroups of firefighters based on their PTSD and PTG levels, and investigated the influence of demographic factors and PTSD/PTG-related factors on latent class classification.Method: Latent profile analysis was used to examine the patterns of PTSD and PTG among 483 firefighters in South Korea. Using a cross-sectional design, demographic factors and job factors were examined as group covariates through a three-step approach. PTSD-related factors such as depression and suicide ideation, as well as PTG-related factors such as emotion-based response were analysed as differentiating factors.Results: Four classes were identified and named 'Low PTSD-low PTG (65.2%),' 'Mid PTSD-mid PTG (15.5%),' 'Low PTSD-high PTG (15.3%),' and 'High PTSD-mid PTG (3.9%).' The likelihood of belonging to the group with high trauma-related risks increased with more rotating shift work and years of service. The differentiating factors revealed differences based on the levels of PTSD and PTG in each group.Conclusions: 34.8% of firefighters experienced changes due to traumatic events while on the job, and some required serious attention. Modifiable job characteristics, such as the shift pattern, indirectly affected PTSD and PTG levels. Individual and job factors should be considered together when developing trauma interventions for firefighters.

Investigation of grief and posttraumatic growth related to patient loss in pediatric intensive care nurses: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) are clinical settings where patient loss is frequently experienced. A sense of professional grief and posttraumatic growth in nurses who have experienced patient loss has a significant impact on psychological and physical health, work satisfaction, turnover rates, as well as on personal and professional relations, and employee loyalty. The aim of this study was to investigate grief and posttraumatic growth in PICU nurses and to examine related factors.

METHODS

The study is of cross-sectional design and was conducted with 200 nurses who were working in 87 PICU's around Turkey during the period March 30 - June 30, 2021. Data were collected with a Descriptive Information Form, the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and an open-ended question asking for suggestions as to how nurses can cope with loss. Online questionnaires were used in the data collection. Descriptive statistics, the student t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and post-hoc tests were employed in the analysis of the data.

RESULTS

The nurses' mean scores were 49.425 ± 10.868 on TRIG and 61.450 ± 24.934 on PTGI. A negative weak correlation was found between the intensity of the nurses' grief and their posttraumatic growth (r = 0.144, p = 0.041). Receiving training on dealing with a patient's terminal stage (t=-2.688, p = 0.001), feeling comfortable about providing the patient's care (t = 2.624, p = 0.009) and providing the family with emotional support during patient care (t = 1.979, p = 0.049), and the presence of supporting health professionals reduced levels of grief (t = 2.797, p = 0.000). Being a woman (t = 3.299, p = 0.001), willingness to work in the unit (t=-3.219, p = 0.002), and being given enough time to accept the loss (t = 3.986, p = 0.000) were correlated with higher levels of posttraumatic growth. The nurses most commonly wanted more time allotted to recuperate after a loss (n = 35) and professional support (n = 22).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses experience a moderate sense of grief after a patient's loss. As levels of grief decrease, posttraumatic growth increases. Healthcare administrators and future researchers can benefit from these findings when planning supportive interventions to help nurses cope with their feelings of grief and achieve posttraumatic growth.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

A limitation of the study is that it was conducted only with nurses who were Association members.

Parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic: Post-traumatic growth amongst university students

This study sought to investigate a positive dimension of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, that of post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study investigated coping difficulties and PTG amongst parent and nonparent students in Israeli Universities. A total of 4022 parents (3648 Jews and 374 Palestinian-Arab Citizens [PACs]) and 14,651 nonparents (12,010 Jews and 2641 PACs) completed measures of coping, social support and PTG. Parents demonstrated significantly higher levels of coping and PTG. Amongst parents, fathers coped slightly better than mothers; however, while Jewish mothers demonstrated greater PTG than Jewish fathers, PAC fathers had significantly greater PTG than both PAC mothers and Jewish parents. These findings, while specific to COVID-19, indicate that PTG should be studied in greater depth in different ethnic and minority groups in order to develop enhanced understanding and facilitate promotion of post-traumatic growth, in addition to the prevention of COVID-19-related distress.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Assessment of Healthcare and Anxiety Disorders in Patients with Chronic Diseases

(1) Background: We compared the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning and mental health of chronically ill patients, namely those with hemodialysis (HD) and diabetes (DM). (2) Methods: We used a questionnaire to collect the medical data and the Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAD-7) to measure the mood status. (3) Results: In both groups, a similar percentage of patients had a past COVID-19 infection and similar opinions about pandemic-related inconveniences. The most significant limitations of the study included mask wearing and the restriction of social contact. Mental disorders were significantly more frequently reported in the DM group. Sleep problems were found in approximately 30% of patients. Approximately 20% of patients in both groups declared that the pandemic had negatively affected the quality of their sleep. The mean score of the GAD-7 scale in the HD group did not differ according to gender. In the group of DM patients, a significant difference was observed between men and women, with women scoring higher compared to men. In both groups, the percentage of patients with GAD-7 scores > 5, > 10 and > 15 did not differ significantly. (4) Conclusions: In both groups, chronically ill patients reported anxiety disorders with similar frequency. In the DM group, more severe anxiety disorders were found in women. Mental disorders were significantly more prevalent in DM patients. It seems that HD patients coped better with the psychological aspects of pandemic-related stress and limitations.

How are experiences and acceptability of child maltreatment related to resilience and posttraumatic growth: a cross cultural study

Background: Post-traumatic growth (PTG) and resilience, regarded as positive psychological change following a traumatic experience, are under-researched across cultures in people exposed to child maltreatment (CM).Objective: We investigated how experiences and the perceived acceptability of CM are related to resilience and PTG in countries with different cultures, living standards, and gross national income.Method: A total of 478 adults from Cameroon (n = 111), Canada (n = 137), Japan (n = 108), and Germany (n = 122) completed an online survey with self-reported questionnaires, including the Brief Resilience Scale and the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form.Results: Across countries, self-reported male gender and age were positively associated with resilience, while experiences of physical abuse and emotional maltreatment were negatively associated with resilience. Experiences of emotional maltreatment were positively associated with PTG. Higher levels of PTG and resilience were found amongst Cameroonian participants as compared to other countries.Conclusion: Our results suggest that positive changes following CM can vary significantly across cultures and that experiences of specific CM subtypes, but not the perceived acceptability of CM, may be important for a deeper understanding of how individuals overcome trauma and develop salutogenic outcomes. Our findings may inform CM intervention programmes for an enhanced cultural sensitivity.

Relationship between rumination and post-traumatic growth in mobile cabin hospital nurses: The mediating role of psychological resilience

Psychological resilience helps individuals to actively respond to various emergencies, but its mediating role between the rumination and post-traumatic growth (PTG) of nurses remains unknown. Our study aimed to explore the extent to which psychological resilience mediates the association between rumination and PTG among nurses working in mobile cabin hospitals. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 449 medical team members working in mobile cabin hospitals to support the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 in Shanghai, China in 2022. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess the correlation between rumination, psychological resilience, and PTG. Structural equation models were used to examine the mediating role of psychological resilience between rumination and PTG. Our study results showed that deliberate rumination directly promoted psychological resilience and PTG and had positive effects on PTG through the mediating effect of psychological resilience. Invasive rumination had no direct effect on PTG. However, it had a negative effect on PTG through the mediating effect of psychological resilience. Together the results of this study indicate that the mediating effect of psychological resilience was significant in the association of rumination and PTG among mobile cabin hospital nurses, with a higher individual psychological resilience level helping nurses to achieve PTG. Therefore, targeted interventions should be implemented to improve nurses' psychological resilience and guide their rapid growth.

Post traumatic growth among military enroute care nurses: A secondary analysis

To date, little is known about the experience of military nurses and post traumatic growth (PTG). An analysis focusing on PTG was performed using data from the surveys and qualitative interviews of military enroute care nurses. In a mixed methods study designed to understand behavioral health symptoms experienced by military enroute care nurses, the qualitative data confirmed the experiences of nurses found in the quantitative data regarding the presence of PTG. Although the mean PTG total score was low in the quantitative findings, the qualitative data supported the presence of important factors comprising PTG. More research is needed to determine the experience of PTG among nurses.

Posttraumatic Growth After Struggling With the Loss of a Parent in Young Adulthood

This study aims to examine posttraumatic growth and its associations with parental bereavement among adolescents and young adults. Fifty-five young adults who had lost a parent to cancer at least 2 months earlier and were about to attend a support group at a palliative care service were recruited. Data was collected through questionnaires before support group participation, about 5-8 months after the loss and at a 6-month follow-up, about 14-18 months after the loss. The result shows that the young adults experienced posttraumatic growth, mostly in the domains Personal strength and Appreciation of life. Posttraumatic growth was associated with bereavement outcomes, especially life satisfaction, a feeling of meaning in future life and psychological health. The result is of value for health care professionals as it adds information about the importance of supporting constructive rumination to enhance the possibility to positive psychological change after a parent's death.

Keep going, keep growing: A longitudinal analysis of grit, posttraumatic growth, and life satisfaction in school students under COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted students' daily life, but grit could have sustained students' wellbeing by helping them work hard and stay goal-oriented over time despite adversity. Gritty students may also have interpreted COVID-19-related adversity as an opportunity to grow, thus displaying higher levels of post-traumatic growth. In this study, 445 students in grades 6-12 (160 males, Mage = 14.25, SDage = 2.11) completed measures of grit and life satisfaction at the beginning (Time 1) and at the end (Time 2) of the school year, together with a measure of posttraumatic growth. A longitudinal SEM model shows that perseverance positively relates to posttraumatic growth, indirectly favoring life satisfaction at Time 2. In conclusion, perseverance, rather than consistency, appeared to have sustained students' positive adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching students how to nurture this quality can have important beneficial effects for their wellbeing under adverse conditions.

Posttraumatic growth, purpose, and trauma in university survivors of sexual assault

Objective: This study focused on purpose as a key mechanism of posttraumatic growth for university student survivors of sexual assault. Participants: An online survey was completed by 278 participants of various ethnic, racial and gender backgrounds, recruited through email, social media, department subject pools, and Amazon Mechanical Turk. Methods: Researchers used mixed methods, concurrent triangulation approach in which quantitative and qualitative data were collected simultaneously with closed and open-ended questions. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that age, purpose in life, high magnitude stressors, and trauma history were significantly related to posttraumatic growth. Emergent themes described the impacts of sexual assault, how sexual assault impacts purpose, and ways in which purpose impacted posttraumatic growth. Conclusion: Results confirmed the association of purpose with posttraumatic growth as well as other key impacts of trauma that should be investigated further. Next steps include evaluating therapeutic interventions focused on purpose.

Validation of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory in Adolescents Who Lost a Family Member in the Past 4 years: Effects of Time After the Death Event and Gender

Post-traumatic growth is the psychological capacity to perceive positive changes facing high-stress or potentially traumatic events and may be especially useful in lessening their effects in adolescents' lives. Present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) in 662 Peruvian adolescents who suffered the death of an immediate family member over the last 4 years. Firstly, an exploratory graphical analysis (EGA) was conducted to determine the best parsimonious structure of the instrument and confirmed with its respective factor models. The results report adequate fit indices in the EGA Bifactor model. Furthermore, another structural model is included, which reports significant latent effects of the time elapsed since the relative's death and gender (male) on PTGI general factor. Likewise, gender measure was significantly related to items 3, 7, and 11, which is linked to personal growth.

Post-traumatic growth in PhD students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students have faced increased risk of mental health challenges. Research suggests that experiencing adversity may induce positive psychological changes, called post-traumatic growth (PTG). These changes can include improved relationships with others, perceptions of oneself, and enjoyment of life. Few existing studies have explored this phenomenon among graduate students. This secondary data analysis of a survey conducted in November 2020 among graduate students at a private R1 University in the northeast United States examined graduate students' levels and correlates of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students had a low level of PTG, with a mean score of 10.31 out of 50. Linear regression models showed significant positive relationships between anxiety and PTG and between a measure of self-reported impact of the pandemic and PTG. Non-White minorities also had significantly greater PTG than White participants. Experiencing more negative impact due to the pandemic and ruminating about the pandemic were correlated with greater PTG. These findings advance research on the patterns of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform future studies of graduate students' coping mechanisms and support efforts to promote pandemic recovery and resilience.

Gender Differences in Social Support and Posttraumatic Growth for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

The current study investigated gender differences in perceived social support and posttraumatic growth for survivors of intimate partner violence. Participants for this study included 86 undergraduate students who indicated at least one instance of partner abuse (consisting of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and harassment). Participants were predominantly female (68%), White/Caucasian (62%), and between 18 and 21 years of age (84%). Participants responded to the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Composite Abuse Scale, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Mean differences and correlational analyses were utilized to investigate potential gender differences in the study variables as well as the relationships among them. The prevalence of intimate partner violence was comparable to those found in other studies, with 59% of men and 57% of women indicating experiencing abuse from a partner. Although the prevalence rates were similar, women indicated higher overall partner abuse victimization than did men. Moreover, women indicated statistically significantly higher scores than men in three of the four Composite Abuse Scale subscales, reflecting higher levels of victimization for all forms of abuse except for partner harassment. Further, perceived social support scores were similar for men and women, with the only significant gender difference to emerge being that men indicated higher levels of familial support than did women. No statistically significant gender differences emerged for overall posttraumatic growth or for any of its domains. Finally, social support was correlated with posttraumatic growth for women but not for men. The current study, therefore, suggests that men and women may experience similar levels of personal growth in the aftermath of partner abuse. Moreover, these results imply that the relationship between social support and posttraumatic growth may vary according to the gender of the survivor.

Factors associated with posttraumatic growth: gratitude, PTSD and distress; one year into the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon

Almost one year since the COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, mental distress remains elevated with high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet studies suggest these challenging circumstances might be conducive of post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study aims to investigate the factors associated with growth after the original trauma. A sample of 252 Lebanese adults filled an online survey to determine levels of PTG, PTSD and gratitude using validated self-rating scales. Participants also subjectively evaluated the sources of their distress such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut port explosion and/or their deteriorating financials. The PTGi-SF evaluated dimensions of growth while the IES-R_22 measured the degree of distress post-trauma. The GQ-6 was used to measure the proneness to experience gratitude daily. Results indicated 41% of participants scored above the cutoff for PTSD symptomatology. Yet, PTSD was positively correlated, alongside gratitude and accumulated subjective distress, with higher levels of PTG. A forward linear regression taking PTG scores as the dependent variable further showed that more gratitude (Beta = 0.57), a higher impact of events (Beta = 0.16), and knowing anyone who died from COVID-19 (Beta = 3.93) were significantly associated with more growth. The study highlights elevated levels of PTSD symptoms in a context of a global pandemic worsened by financial and socio-political instabilities. It mostly identifies personal factors, including high initial symptomatology post-trauma and gratitude, related to the capacity for growth in spite of these accumulating hardships. As such, it advocates the need to investigate and bolster silver linings amidst unprecedented traumas.

Adaptability favors positive academic responses and posttraumatic growth under COVID-19: a longitudinal study with adolescents

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an abrupt adoption of online learning worldwide challenging students’ scholastic engagement and their ability to self-regulate their learning. Under these unexpected conditions, adaptability (one’s capacity to adjust thoughts, behaviors, and emotions in new and uncertain situations) might have sustained students to maintain high engagement and find new learning solutions. Students with high adaptability might also interpret COVID-19-related novelty as an opportunity and show higher posttraumatic growth levels. A longitudinal path analysis showed that in a sample of 435 Italian students (11–18 years old), adaptability at Time 1 positively related to engagement, self-regulated learning, and posttraumatic growth at the end of the school year, indirectly favoring academic achievement, through the mediation of engagement and self-regulated learning. These findings highlight the unique role that adaptability could play in supporting students in unexpected and stressful situations. Fostering students’ adaptability could therefore have beneficial effects on their personal growth and academic success.

Character strengths sustain mental health and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A longitudinal analysis

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought negative and positive changes in the general population, with some people experiencing post-traumatic growth after the first wave. Little research has focused, however, on personal factors potentially helping individuals cope with COVID-related difficulties. This study investigates the relations between character strengths, mental health, and post-traumatic growth.

DESIGN

Longitudinal (T1: April 2020; T2: December 2020-January 2021).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

254 Italian adults (54 males; mean age = 36.05, SD = 14.04) completed questionnaires on character and mental health at T1, and on mental health and post-traumatic growth at T2.

RESULTS

General mental health was worse at T2 than at T1. Structural equation modelling showed that character, as a whole, had a significant direct effect on post-traumatic growth and mental health at T2, and an indirect effect mediated by post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, regression analyses evidenced that the virtue of transcendence was uniquely related to mental health at T2, while humanity was specifically associated with post-traumatic growth (after accounting for the other virtues).

CONCLUSION

Individuals' character strengths related to their mental health and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with evidence of post-traumatic growth mediating the relation between character and mental health.

Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation: Associations with Core Beliefs and Rumination

BACKGROUND

The positive transformation (i.e., posttraumatic growth, PTG) that can emerge after the struggles associated with a stressful life event has been widely investigated. However, less attention has been paid to the negative posttraumatic changes (i.e., posttraumatic depreciation, PTD) that might occur after a traumatic experience. This study aimed to investigate the role of a series of psychological factors (e.g., disruption of core beliefs, rumination, and depressive symptoms) in predicting PTG and PTD, separately considered.

METHODS

To reach this goal, 601 participants who experienced different types of traumatic events were recruited. They were asked to indicate sociodemographic and trauma-related information and to complete self-report measures assessing PTG/PTD, core beliefs, rumination, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The results of regression analyses showed that gender, age, time since the trauma, core beliefs, deliberate/intrusive rumination, and depressive symptoms were significant predictors of PTG. Conversely, core beliefs, intrusive rumination, and depressive symptoms were found to be positively related to PTD.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings highlight the role that different psychological factors may play in the manifestation of the PTG and/or PTD dimensions. From a clinical perspective, professionals should pay attention to these factors when a person struggles in coping with a highly stressful experience.

Psychological resilience and posttraumatic growth in adolescent survivors of earthquake: A 10-year cohort study

This 10-year cohort study explored whether individual differences in resilience during early stages post-earthquake could have diverse impacts on future PTG and whether the impacts varied by sex. 1357 Chinese adolescent survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake were assessed on their resilience at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months post-earthquake. 799 participants responded to an online survey 10 years later, and 744 of which provided useable data for subsequent analysis. Resilience trajectories were modeled using the latent class growth analysis. Linear regressions were used to test the predictive effects of different resilience trajectories on subsequent PTG. Of 744 samples (M_age=15.44, SD = 0.66 at baseline), 59.1% were females. Three trajectories of resilience were identified, including low resilience (19.8%), moderate resilience (58.7%), and high resilience (21.5%). Highly resilient participants reported greater PTG 10 years later (β = 0.12, 95%CI 0.60-6.08) after adjusting for demographic variables, earthquake exposure, negative life events, and mental health problems. Moreover, the same findings only existed in males (β = 0.22, 95%CI 1.26-11.01). Our findings highlight the importance of classifying survivors by resilience trajectories in order to better account for different implications on future PTG. Moreover, sex-specific programs are needed to provide tailored intervention.

Growth-Related Responses to the Threat of COVID-19 among Adolescents

The main objective of our study was to determine whether the experience of the types of pandemic threats included in the study, could activate development responses among adolescents and what the role of the level of stress experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic is in the process of post-traumatic PTG growth. We also made an attempt to investigate whether personality traits and gender were predictors of PTG growth in adolescents. Therefore, the theoretical bases for the interpretation of the obtained results are models of post-traumatic growth (PTG), mainly by Calhoun and Tedeschi. The research was conducted in March 2020. The study subjects were 405 adolescents aged 14 to 20 years, with an average age of 17 years, of whom 59% were females and 41% were males. The following methods were used in the study: IPIP-BFM-20 to estimate five personality traits, PSS- to diagnose perceived stress, and an in-house questionnaire of pandemic threats experienced by adolescents (KŻP). The results showed that the various types of 'pandemic' threats (threats to life, family, and lifestyle) are positive predictors of growth-related changes; additionally, such factors as personality traits (here: extroversion), stress level, and gender had a positive mediating effect on growth-related changes. It was also possible to show that out of the four dimensions of post-traumatic growth, three could be activated under pandemic conditions. These were: changes in relationships with others, greater appreciation of everyday life, and spiritual changes. Changes in self-perception-one of the dimensions of post-traumatic growth, were not activated due to experiencing three types of pandemic threats.

The ins and outs of posttraumatic growth in children and adolescents: A systematic review of factors that matter

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to a positive psychological change that occurs following a seismic and highly challenging life circumstance. An individual who experiences PTG reports posttrauma development that surpasses their baseline level of pretrauma function in various domains. The present systematic review of the current literature aimed to explore factors related to the development of PTG in children and adolescents exposed to trauma. Included studies investigated a range of factors that impact PTG development in youth from five countries: the United States, Israel, China, Japan, and Norway. Studies addressed multiple types of traumatic experiences, including medical trauma, war- and terror-related trauma, and environmental trauma. Findings suggested that factors that impact the development of PTG include the presence of posttraumatic stress symptoms, specifically intrusiveness, and cognitive factors, such as the use of positive reappraisal and deliberate rumination. Many factors demonstrated inconsistencies across studies, such as the impact of age, gender, social support, and parent factors. The findings from this systematic research study encourage the notion that certain clinical intervention strategies, such as deliberate rumination, positive reappraisal coping strategies, and trauma-informed group therapy, may facilitate growth in trauma survivors. Future research should test if these intervention strategies directly impact growth and whether there is an evidence-based form of intervention that can assist clinicians in taking a growth- and strengths-based perspective after trauma.

The transformative power of pain and posttraumatic growth in nurses with Covid-19 PCR positive

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine the relationship between the transformative power of pain and posttraumatic growth in nurses with positive Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

DESIGN AND METHOD

"Sociodemographics Form," "Transformative Power of Pain Scale," and "Post-Traumatic Growth Scale" were used to collect the data of the study.

FINDINGS

In the study, posttraumatic growth increased as the level of the transformative power of pain increased for nurses. Furthermore, some variables were found to have an effect on the transformative power of pain and the posttraumatic growth mean score in nurses who had positive Covid-19 PCR test.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses should be provided with social and professional psychological support to improve their transformative power of pain and posttraumatic growth levels.

Post-traumatic growth among UK military personnel deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan: data from phase 3 of a military cohort study

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to beneficial psychological change following trauma.

AIMS

This study explores the sociodemographic, health and deployment-related factors associated with PTG in serving/ex-serving UK armed forces personnel deployed to military operations in Iraq or Afghanistan.

METHOD

Multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied to retrospective questionnaire data collected 2014-2016, stratified by gender. PTG scores were split into tertiles of no/very low PTG, low PTG and moderate/large PTG.

RESULTS

A total of 1447/4610 male personnel (30.8%) and 198/570 female personnel (34.8%) reported moderate/large PTG. Male personnel were more likely to report moderate/large PTG compared with no/very low PTG if they reported a greater belief of being in serious danger (relative risk ratio (RRR) 2.47, 95% CI 1.68-3.64), were a reservist (RRR 2.37, 95% CI 1.80-3.11), reported good/excellent general health (fair/poor general health: RRR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24-0.46), a greater number of combat experiences, less alcohol use, better mental health, were of lower rank or were younger. Female personnel were more likely to report moderate/large PTG if they were single (in a relationship: RRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.74), had left military service (RRR 2.34, 95% CI 1.31-4.17), reported better mental health (common mental disorder: RRR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.84), were a reservist, reported a greater number of combat experiences or were younger. Post-traumatic stress disorder had a curvilinear relationship with PTG.

CONCLUSIONS

A moderate/large degree of PTG among the UK armed forces is associated with mostly positive health experiences, except for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Child maltreatment and post-traumatic growth: Implications for the well-being of young adults

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the relationship between childhood maltreatment and well-being in young adults, including the role of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in promoting better outcomes for young adults who have a history of childhood maltreatment (HCM).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between child maltreatment and well-being among young adults, by considering the perpetrator and the extent of the maltreatment, as well as PTG among young adults with a HCM.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The sample comprised 537 young adults (aged 18-25; M = 21.09 years, SD = 2.36) from across Australia, with 182 young adults in the sample forming the cohort with a HCM.

METHOD

Participants' current well-being, the extent of maltreatment by their mother, father and other adults experienced as a child (<18 years), and PTG was collected using an online survey. Tests of group differences and multiple regression were conducted to analyse the relationships between child maltreatment, PTG, and current well-being.

RESULTS

Maltreatment by one's mother or father predicted poorer current well-being, but not maltreatment by another adult. Young adults who identified as having a HCM had poorer well-being than those who did not. Within the cohort of those with a HCM, greater PTG predicted greater well-being, and also mitigated the negative relationship between child maltreatment by one's father and well-being.

CONCLUSION

Findings indicate that both the extent of child maltreatment and the relationship to the perpetrator have implications for well-being among young adults. PTG appeared to play a protective role, highlighting the potential therapeutic benefit of fostering PTG to improve well-being among young adults with a HCM.

Conservation of Resources, Psychological Distress, and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: The Conservation of Resources (COR) theory suggests that stress results from threatened or actual loss of resources following significant life events. This study used COR theory as the framework to explore the reflection of loss of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological distress and resilience, in an adult Jewish Israeli population.

Methods: We examined the association between background variables, stress, loneliness, concern, COVID-19-related post traumatic symptoms (PTS), resilience factors and COR via an online survey among 2,000 adults during April 2020.

Results: Positive relationships were identified between resource loss and PTS (r = 0.66, p < 0.01), and between resource gain and resilience (r = 0.30, p < 0.01). Psychological variables were significantly associated with PTS and explained 62.7% of the variance, F (20, 1,413) = 118.58, p < 0.001.

Conclusion: Loss of resources, stress, loneliness and concern were found to be risk factors for distress and PTS, whereas resilience factors played a protective role. We thus recommend using the COR theory to explore COVID-19 effects elsewhere.

Posttraumatic Growth and Its Measurement: A Closer Look at the PTGI’s Psychometric Properties and Structure

Despite negative connotations, surviving trauma can result in improvements in some domains of a person’s life. This phenomenon is known as posttraumatic growth (PTG), and it is typically measured using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Given the ambiguous results of the existing validation studies, the present study aimed to verify the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the PTGI in a representative sample of Slovak citizens. Although the results suggest that a modified one-factor structure fit the data best, other issues, such as extremely high correlations between the latent factors related to the PTGI’s factor structure, were observed. It is likely that the application of the latent variable model does not represent the essence of PTG adequately and the network approach thus appears to be a far more suitable conceptualization of PTG. More detailed information on between-person differences and within-person changes in PTG could help to tailor more effective interventions or preventive programs.

Prediction of post-traumatic growth in the face of the COVID-19 crisis based on resilience, post-traumatic stress and social participation: A longitudinal study

The COVID-19 crisis has generated a severe and negative psychological impact worldwide. Despite this, it is also possible to experience post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study aimed to longitudinally explore the prevalence of PTG in the Spanish population and test a predictive model for PTG from resilience, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and participation in social activities. Data were collected longitudinally in March, July, and November 2020 via an online survey. About 20% of the sample showed moderate-high levels of PTG, with no significant differences over time. The predictive model explained 19% of the variance in PTG, showing that the inverse relation between resilience and PTG was mediated by PTSS. Additionally, participation in social activities acted as a predictor of PTG. Women, young people, those who had lost their job and people who had experienced COVID-19 symptoms or the loss of a loved one presented higher PTG. Thus, people have experienced positive changes (PTG), but these did not protect them from adverse symptomatology (PTSS).

The role of repetitive thinking and spirituality in the development of posttraumatic growth and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder

Both post-traumatic growth (PTG) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with spirituality and different kinds of repetitive thinking, such as deliberate rumination (DR) and intrusive rumination (IR), respectively. This study aimed to examine if spirituality modifies the relationship between types of rumination and trauma outcomes. Ninety-six students completed an online survey of four questionnaires in a cross-sectional online survey: The Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, the Event Related Rumination Inventory, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short form and the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory- Revised. Findings revealed that spirituality was related to DR and PTG, but not to IR or PTSD symptoms. Moderation analysis showed that spirituality significantly moderated the relationship between PTG and DR, but not the relationship between PTSD and IR. These findings indicate that while spirituality has no relationship with negative outcomes of trauma, it may help individuals to ruminate in a constructive manner in order to develop positive outcomes.

How Much Do Severely Injured Athletes Experience Sport Injury-Related Growth? Contrasting Psychological, Situational, and Demographic Predictors

Sport injury-related growth (SIRG) describes the possibility for athletes to benefit psychologically from an injury. The present, preregistered online study examined an international sample of 335 athletes with impressive athletic biographies who sustained a severe sport-related injury. Expanding the extant literature, we empirically contrasted numerous psychological, situational, and demographic predictors of perceived SIRG-specifically, athletes' optimism, coping style, self-efficacy, athletic identity, social support, need satisfaction, and injury centrality. Our data first provide empirical evidence for perceived SIRG, even when statistically controlling for a potential social-desirability bias in athletes' responses. In addition, frequentist and Bayesian regression analyses showed that several psychological variables predicted perceived SIRG-particularly athletes' informational social support, positive reframing, optimism, and injury centrality. Finally, post hoc mediation analyses showed how these psychological variables account for different levels of perceived SIRG as a function of demographic variables. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, along with directions for future research.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mood status: A comparison of hemodialysis and oncology patients

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus related lockdown measures had a severe psychological toll. We investigated the effects of population-wide infection control measures on hemodialysis (HD) and oncology patients' mood statuses.

METHODS

An electronic survey was used to collect data. We used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure the mood statuses.

RESULTS

The study groups composed of 400 HD, 234 oncology patients, and 276 controls. HADS anxiety and total POMS scores were significantly higher in the control group than that of both HD and oncology patients, a finding consistent with a worse mood status. In multivariate models, the male gender and the perception of having received appropriate medical support during the pandemic period were independent predictors of better POMS and HADS-anxiety and depression scores.

CONCLUSION

HD and oncology patients appear to be less affected by the psychological stress induced by social distancing and lockdown periods.

Validation of an ultra-short version of the posttraumatic growth inventory in Colombian adults exposed to COVID-19

We aimed to evaluate whether an ultra-short version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) has adequate psychometric properties, with a Colombian sample (N = 931) vulnerable to SaRS-CoV-2 infection. Results indicated that adequate indicators of goodness-of-fit, convergent validity, internal consistency, and factorial invariance. Therefore, this instrument is recommended for the screening of posttraumatic growth associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that may be present in the Colombian population.

Men’s experiences of alopecia areata: A qualitative study

Alopecia areata (AA) affects men at similar rates to women, yet comparatively little is known about men’s experience of the condition. We interviewed a demographically diverse group of 18 men with AA to explore this gap. From qualitative thematic analysis, participants’ accounts described a profound yet often-minimised impact of AA on their lives, in the context of poor public awareness and misguided assumptions about AA in men. Conversely, this adversity appeared to facilitate personal growth for many. These findings can help health professionals better understand men’s gendered experience of AA, which we discuss through the lens of masculinities theory.

Post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients after 20+ years: a long-term follow-up study of 337 patients treated at a level 1 trauma center

PURPOSE

There is limited research on the long-term psychiatric outcomes of polytraumatized patients. Existing studies focus mainly on the negative sequelae. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) describes positive personal development after severe physical or mental distress. In this study, we investigated post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients at least 20 years after trauma.

METHODS

Patients treated for polytrauma at a German level 1 trauma center between 1971 and 1990, were contacted 20+ years later. A questionnaire with 37 questions from the stress-related growth scale (SRGS) and the post-traumatic growth inventory (PGI) was administered. PTG was quantified in five specific areas. PTG and patient demographics were then analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eligible questionnaires were returned by 337 patients. 96.5% of patients reported improvements regarding at least one of the 37 questions. Approximately, a third of patients noticed distinct improvements regarding their relationship to others (29.2%), appreciation of life (36.2%) and attitudes towards new possibilities (32.5%). Patient demographics were significant predictors for the development of PTG: Older (p < 0.001), female (p = 0.042) and married patients (p = 0.047) showed a greater expression of PTG. We also saw significantly more PTG in patients with higher injury severity (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

20 years after polytrauma, patients report improvements in their relationship with others, appreciation of life and attitude towards new possibilities. Women and married patients show higher expression of PTG. Furthermore, there is higher expression of PTG with higher age and injury severity. Post-traumatic growth should be identified and fostered in clinical practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III-prospective long-term follow-up study.

Beyond the Boundaries of Disease-Significant Post-traumatic Growth in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Caregivers

Despite the negative repercussions of a chronic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) might also lead to positive consequences. This longitudinal study explored post-traumatic growth in MS patients and attempted to identify possible determinants. Post-traumatic growth of 260 patients and their caregivers was compared. A subset of 209 patients and caregivers were evaluated at baseline. Patients filled in the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and General Health Questionnaire at three different times over a 36-month follow-up period. Patient post-traumatic growth significantly increased over the follow-up period (p < 0.001) with large effect sizes on almost every subscale. Higher score on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, higher pain severity, female gender, and higher anxiety were positive predictors of post-traumatic growth, while more interference of pain, higher level of education, and more social dysfunction were negative predictors. Post-traumatic growth did not differ significantly between patients and caregivers. Our results showed significant positive intrapsychic changes of MS patients over a 36-month follow-up period up to 12 years from diagnosis. The potential influence of clinical, demographic, and mental health variables underlines the need for a personalized approach to be able to understand and sustain these processes. Comparable post-traumatic growth levels in patient-caregiver dyads at baseline suggest interdependently driven cognitive processes stabilizing well-being. Future research is recommended for further insight into the underlying cognitive processes.