Constellations of posttraumatic stress symptoms and posttraumatic growth among Israeli female combat veterans: A latent profile analysis approach

OBJECTIVES

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are possible reactions to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about patterns of both PTSS and PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines constellations of PTSS and PTG among Israeli female combat veterans, as well as military-related exposure and positive psychological correlates of these constellations.

METHODS

A volunteer sample of Israeli women combat veterans (n = 885) responded to self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional design study.

RESULTS

Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify four profiles characterized by unique constellations of PTSS and PTG: moderate PTSS and high PTG (33%), moderate PTSS and moderate PTG (30%), low PTSS and high PTG (30%), and low PTSS and PTG (5.5%). Higher levels of combat experiences were associated with higher odds of inclusion in the moderate PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and moderate PTG profiles. Moreover, compared to the other classes, both low PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and high PTG classes were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life and happiness psychological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The study's findings offer an overview of the complex pattern of associations between PTSS, PTG, and associated predictors and outcomes. Clinicians treating female veterans should be aware of the varying reactions to military service challenges, including the presence of moderate to high levels of PTG reactions in addition to PTSS.

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.

Associations Between the Cause of Loved One's Death, Mourner's Psychological Distress and Ongoing Relationship With the Deceased, and Mourner's Posttraumatic Growth

The current study focused on the associations between the cause of a loved one's death, mourner's emotional distress, mourner's ongoing relationship with the deceased, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The sample comprised 91 Israeli mourners following death due to traffic accident, military service, or prolonged illness. Participants completed questionnaires assessing psychological distress, ongoing relationship with the deceased, and PTG. Findings showed that in traffic-accident deaths, mourners reported higher psychological distress and preoccupation with the deceased compared to that reported by the other mourner groups. Moreover, psychological distress mediated the association between the cause of death and PTG. The findings emphasize the differences between the mourner groups.

Post-traumatic growth among pediatric transplant recipients and their caregivers: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Pediatric transplantation can be a stressful process for patients and caregivers. Some individuals may experience post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) as a result. Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been well-studied in this population, the purpose of the present scoping review is to provide a first synthesis of the existing literature on PTG in pediatric transplant populations.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search of PsycINFO and Scopus in May 2023. Eligible articles must have included a sample of solid organ transplant (SOT) or stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients under age 18, siblings of recipients, or caregivers; and must have examined PTG.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were identified, and nine studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review (n = 5 cross sectional; n = 4 qualitative). Cross-sectional studies examined demographic, mental health, and medical correlates of PTG in children and caregivers. PTG was correlated with PTSS among caregivers. Qualitative studies identified themes along each of the five factors of PTG.

CONCLUSION

Findings overwhelmingly focused on caregiver PTG. Qualitative study findings align with the theoretical model of PTG. Additional research is needed to investigate PTG in siblings of children with a transplant and associations between PTG and medication adherence. This scoping review provides insight into positive change processes following a transplant among children and their caregivers.

Network analysis of posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth symptoms among women in subsequent pregnancies following pregnancy loss

BACKGROUND

Pregnant women who have undergone pregnancy loss often display both posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, the precise relationship and structure of symptomatic levels of PTS and PTG have not been well understood. This study aimed to assess the associations between PTS and PTG symptoms in women during subsequent pregnancies following a previous pregnancy loss.

METHODS

A total of 406 pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss were included in this study. The Impact of Events Scale-6 (IES-6) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF) were used to assess symptoms of PTS and PTG, respectively. The Graphical Gaussian Model was employed to estimate the network model. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified based on "expected influence" and "bridge expected influence" indices, respectively. The stability and accuracy of the network were examined using the case-dropping procedure and nonparametric bootstrapped procedure.

RESULTS

The network analysis identified PTG3 ("Ability to do better things") as the most central symptom, followed by PTS3 ("Avoidance of thoughts") and PTG6 ("New path for life") in the sample. Additionally, PTS3 ("Avoidance of thoughts") and PTG9 ("Perception of greater personal strength") were bridge symptoms linking PTS and PTG clusters. The network structure was robust in stability and accuracy tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions targeting the central symptoms identified, along with key bridge symptoms, have the potential to alleviate the severity of PTS experienced by women with a history of pregnancy loss and promote their personal growth.

Turning pain into strength: prosocial behaviours in coping with trauma

Background: Various coping strategies have been shown to alleviate the negative effects of trauma, yet the significance of prosocial behaviour in this realm has been notably underexplored. The present study explored the hypothesis that engaging in prosocial behaviour mitigates the impacts of trauma by promoting a sense of competence and relatedness, post-traumatic growth (PTG), and reconstruction of meaning.Methods: Three consecutive studies were conducted with college students to compare differences in consequence of prosocial behaviours between a trauma group and a control group. Study 1 (N = 96) used self-reported experiences of traumatic vs non-traumatic events; Study 2 (N = 43) used exposure vs. no exposure to video of an earthquake; Study 3 (N = 20) used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a prosocial-themed intervention vs. no intervention. Outcomes in all studies were assessed by self-report questionnaires.Results: Trauma damaged participants' sense of competence and meaningfulness. Prosocial behaviour relieved the impact of trauma on meaning, specifically manifested in the individuals' sense of meaningfulness and their search for meaning. Group interventions with a prosocial theme (based on effect size results) reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and enhanced PTG in victims. The promoting effect on PTG persisted a month later, and its enhancing effect on meaning manifested with a delay.Conclusion: Prosocial behaviour can potentially serve as a beneficial strategy for individuals coping with trauma because it helps enhance meaning and promotes PTG in victims. This conclusion is supported by laboratory experiments and a tentative small-scale intervention study, which provide an innovative perspective for future trauma interventions.

The levels and related factors of posttraumatic growth among nurses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Nurses often encounter traumatic events in their clinical practice. Trauma can have both negative effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and positive effects, such as growth and positive emotions. Posttraumatic growth is beneficial for nurses, as it contributes to positive mental health outcomes and increases life satisfaction. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Our study confirms that nurses commonly experience posttraumatic growth after being exposed to traumatic events, and the level of growth is moderate. We have identified individual, work-related, and social and organizational factors that may influence the occurrence of posttraumatic growth among nurses. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Our findings provide valuable insights for interventions aimed at promoting posttraumatic growth among nurses. It is crucial to consider individual factors, work-related factors, and social and organizational factors when designing these interventions. By addressing these factors, healthcare professionals can support nurses in coping with trauma and facilitate their posttraumatic growth.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: While the negative effects of trauma on nurses have been well-documented, it is equally important to focus on ways to promote posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses.

AIM

This study aims to explore the levels and related factors of PTG among nurses.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases up to 26 December 2022. The pooled mean score for PTG was calculated and presented with a 95% confidence interval. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify potential moderators of PTG among nurses.

RESULTS

A total of 55 studies, involving 35,621 nurses from 11 countries and regions, were included in this review. The pooled scores of the PTG indicated that nurses experienced a moderate level of PTG (55.69, 95% CI: 50.67-60.72).

DISCUSSION

Nurses commonly experience PTG following exposure to traumatic events, with a moderate level of PTG. Our systematic review highlights the potential determinants of PTG among nurses, including individual, work-related, and social and organizational factors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Targeting these factors in interventions can provide nurses with the necessary resources and support to effectively cope with stress and trauma, and potentially facilitate PTG.

A longitudinal analysis of factors associated with post traumatic growth after acquired brain injury

ABSTRACTPost-Traumatic Growth (PTG) is a form of positive psychological change that occurs for some individuals following traumatic experiences. High levels of PTG have been reported among survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI). Yet it remains unclear why some survivors of ABI develop PTG and others do not. The present study investigated early and late factors that are associated with long-term PTG in people with moderate to severe ABIs. Participants (n = 32, Mage = 50.59, SD = 12.28) completed self-report outcome measures at two time-points seven years apart (one-year and eight-years post-ABI). Outcome measures assessed emotional distress, coping, quality of life and ongoing symptoms of brain injury, as well as PTG at the later timepoint. Multiple regression analyses indicated that one-year post-ABI, fewer symptoms of depression, more symptoms of anxiety, and use of adaptive coping strategies accounted for a significant amount of variance in later PTG. At eight years post-ABI, fewer symptoms of depression, fewer ongoing symptoms of brain injury, better psychological quality of life and use of adaptive coping strategies explained a substantial amount of variance in PTG. For individuals with ABIs, PTG may be promoted by implementing long-term neuropsychological support which aims to facilitate use of adaptive coping strategies, supports psychological wellbeing and allows individuals to find meaning post-ABI.

Can mindfulness facilitate posttraumatic growth in breast cancer patients? The mediating role of illness perceptions and positive emotions

The current observational study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among patients with breast cancer. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of illness perceptions and positive emotions. A total of 697 women with breast cancer were recruited from four clinical sites as part of the Bounce project in Finland, Portugal, Italy, and Israel. The study measures were mindfulness (MAAS), illness perceptions (IPQ), positive affect (PANAS), and post-traumatic growth (PTGI) at three time points: near the time of diagnosis, 6 months, and 12 months post-diagnosis. A higher level of mindfulness was associated with perceptions of the illness as less chronic. Specifically, the perception of a limited timeline of breast cancer was associated with positive emotions, thus leading to enhanced PTG. Emphasis should be placed on promoting mindfulness, elaborating on illness perceptions, and maintaining positive affect as part of clinical interventions for PTG among breast cancer patients.

Positive psychological capital, post-traumatic growth, social support, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between positive psychological capital, post-traumatic growth, social support, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2022 to May 2023. A sample of 330 hospitalized SLE patients was selected for this study. The collected data included demographic information, the SLE disease activity index, the Positive Mental Capital Questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Post-Traumatic Growth Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, and the Chinese version of the Lupus Quality of Life Scale.

RESULTS

The QOL score among the 330 SLE patients was measured as M(P25, P75) of 105 (83.00,124.00). Positive psychological capital, post-traumatic growth, and social support demonstrated significant positive correlations with the QOL in SLE patients (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that literacy, disease level, disease duration, occupation, marital status, psychological capital, social support, and post-traumatic growth were influential factors associated with the QOL in SLE patients.

CONCLUSION

Medical professionals should be attentive to the psychological well-being of SLE patients and should consider implementing early psychological interventions. These interventions are crucial for enhancing the QOL for individuals diagnosed with SLE.

Prolonged grief, reconstruction of meaning, and posttraumatic growth in nursing home residents who have lost loved ones

AIM

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, prolonged grief, meaning reconstruction, and posttraumatic growth of elderly individuals who have lost loved ones.

METHODS

A total of 122 elderly individuals who had lost loved ones were included in the research conducted in a nursing home.

RESULTS

The levels of Prolonged Grief Inventory (PG-13), Grief and Meaning Reconstruction Inventory (GMRI), and Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) scale were found to be high among the individuals in the study. While the PG-13 scores of single individuals who have lost their spouses are statistically significantly higher compared to married individuals, the scores for GMRI are higher for elderly individuals with chronic illness and expected death compared to those who have experienced sudden loss. A significant negative correlation was also determined between PG-13, GMRI, and PTG scores.

CONCLUSION

Counseling to reconstruct grief and meaning is recommended for at-risk groups. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 364-370.

Posttraumatic growth and health-related quality of life in cancer survivors: Does fatigue moderate the link?

Interest in post-traumatic growth (PTG) as a predictor of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is currently gaining attention. However, current evidence is still inconclusive on the nature of this relationship. The first objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between PTG and global HRQoL among cancer survivors. We further investigated the moderating role of fatigue in the association between PTG and global HRQoL. In the FiX study (Fatigue in Germany - Examination of prevalence, severity, and state of screening and treatment) cancer-related fatigue (EORTC QLQ-FA12), PTG inventory and global HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30) were assessed four years after cancer diagnosis in 1316 cancer-free survivors (mean age = 67.28, SD = 11.05, 51.4% female). Multiple linear regression analysis and moderation analysis were performed. The results showed that PTG had a convex quadratic relationship with global HRQoL (p < 0.001). Contrary to our hypothesis, fatigue did not moderate the relationship between PTG (linear and quadratic terms) and global HRQoL, neither when considering the overall PTG score nor for any PTG subdimension. In conclusion, PTG has a convex quadratic relationship with long-term global HRQoL that was not modified by persisting fatigue. Future statistical models investigating PTG and global HRQoL should take this non-linear relationship into account. Aiming to increase PTG might contribute to, but is likely not sufficient for high levels of global HRQoL in cancer survivors in the long run.

Exploratory factor analysis of shared trauma in psychiatric-mental health nurses using the Shared Trauma Professional Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (STPPG)

INTRODUCTION

The Shared Trauma Professional Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (STPPG) was developed by Tosone et al. (2014) to help understand shared trauma (ST) in social workers. ST occurs when the healthcare professional and client both experience the same collective traumatic event. This inventory has been adapted for use with mental health nurses. A cross-sectional study of N = 552 mental health nurses was completed in the spring of 2023 to assess the feasibility of using the STPPG to explore shared trauma in mental health nurses.

METHODS

An exploratory factor analysis was run for the STPPG using squared multiple correlations with the maximum likelihood method.

RESULTS

The alpha coefficient ranged from 0.82 to 0.89 for 2-factors and 0.73 to 0.89 for 3-factors. The results indicated that all correlations were significant among the total scales and subscales. All correlations were positive, ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 for two factors and 0.58 to 0.89 for three factors.

CONCLUSION

The STPPG has confirmed a two-factor analysis for mental health nurses. The STPPG is a valid inventory to measure ST in mental health nurses and will allow the concept to be further studied.

Relations Between Posttraumatic Growth and Fear of Progression Among Young and Middle-Aged Primary Brain Tumor Patients: The Parallel Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support and Illness Uncertainty

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of perceived social support and illness uncertainty in posttraumatic growth (PTG) and fear of progression (FoP) among young and middle-aged primary brain tumor (PBT) patients.

METHODS

A total of 252 young and middle-aged benign PBT patients were investigated. Data were collected by using self-designed general and disease-related data questionnaires, PTG Inventory, FoP Questinaire-Short Form, Mischel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, and Perceived Social Support Scale. Parallel mediation effect models were used to explore the relationship between PTG and FoP mediation effects. Bootstrap analysis was conducted to examine the mediation effect of PTG on FoP.

RESULTS

The total FoP and PTG scores were 35.15 ± 4.85 and 55.04 ± 7.86. Furthermore, mediation effect analyses revealed that perceived social support and illness uncertainty were partially associated with the mediated relationship between PTG and FoP. (std.β = -0.026, P-value = 0.001, std. β = -0.393, P value ＜0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Illness uncertainty and perceived social support were identified as partially parallel mediators between PTG and FoP. Thus, we should ensure adequate social support and improve the enthusiasm and input of family members for better patient recovery. Strengthening the nursing support, reducing the uncertainty of young and middle-aged PBT patients, and improving the patients' PTG can help reduce the fear of disease progression.

Post-traumatic growth correlates among parents of children with chronic illnesses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Parenting a child with a chronic illness presents a complex journey marked by various challenges, along with possible personal growth following these challenges. In this systematic review we present three meta-analyses, in order to examine the associations of post-traumatic growth (PTG) among parents of children with diverse chronic illnesses, and psychological distress, social support, and resilience. Analyzing 34 studies encompassing a total of 5328 parents, the results reveal several key findings. First, PTG was found to be prevalent among the parents. Second, there was no significant correlation between PTG and psychological distress, suggesting that these two processes may exist independently. Third, a positive correlation was observed between PTG and both social support and resilience-related factors, underscoring the role of these factors in fostering growth among parents of children with chronic illnesses. Additionally, illness type emerged as a moderator, affecting the strength of the above-mentioned correlations with PTG. Specifically, in the case of psychiatric illnesses, correlations of PTG with social support and resilience were stronger than in the context of other illnesses. Overall, this review emphasizes the significance of recognizing and addressing PTG correlates among parents of children with chronic illnesses, offering insights for clinical practice.

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.

Effects of meaning-based psychotherapy on post-traumatic growth and death anxiety in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world which imposes numerous psychological burdens on the patients. Psycho-spiritual interventions such as meaning-based therapies may help decrease these challenges. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the effects of meaning-based psychotherapy on post-traumatic growth and death anxiety of patients with cancer.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Proquest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched until 30 September 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effect model was preferred, and statistical analysis was performed by STATA software version 17.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were included in the systematic review. Eleven articles examined the impact of meaning-based interventions on death anxiety and six articles examined post-traumatic growth in cancer patients. Ten studies with a total of 555 participants were included for analysis of the effect of logotherapy versus routine care on death anxiety. Analysis showed a significant decrease effect of logotherapy versus routine care on death anxiety (SMD, - 4.05 (- 6.20, - 1.90); I2, 98.38%). Three studies with a total of 364 participants were included for analysis of the effect of logotherapy versus routine care on post-traumatic growth in patients with cancer. Analysis showed a positive but non-significant effect of logotherapy versus routine care on post-traumatic growth (SMD, 2.05 (- 0.91, 5.01); I2, 99.08%).

CONCLUSION

The qualitative analysis showed the positive impact of meaning-based psychotherapy interventions on death anxiety and post-traumatic growth in cancer patients, but the results of the meta-analysis on post-traumatic growth were not statistically significant. The review shows the need for more clinical trial studies in larger and more diverse samples in terms of cancer types and cultural background.

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.

Scoping review protocol of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in Korean cancer survivors

INTRODUCTION

Cancer, a life-threatening chronic disease, is the leading cause of death in Korea, accounting for 27% of all deaths in 2020. Due to advancements in medical technology and early detection of cancer in Korea, the 5-year relative survival rate reached 70.7% (2015-2019), highlighting remarkable progress over the past decades. Although cancer has been seen as a traumatic event, cancer survivors also go through a subjective process of self-maturation, which is called post-traumatic growth (PTG). Because research on PTG among Korean cancer survivors has not been systematically synthesised, a scoping review on this topic will provide a better understanding of the positive psychological changes that occur as a patient moves through the illness trajectory of cancer from a Korean cultural perspective. The purpose of this study was to describe the protocol of a scoping review regarding PTG in Korean cancer survivors.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The scoping review framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley and the manual refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews will be used with the six framework guidelines developed by Levac et al. Searched databases will include Ovid-MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsycInfo, as well as Korean databases, examining all articles published between 2012 and 2023 in Korean or English on PTG in Korean cancer survivors. Extracted data will be collated, charted and summarised.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Because the scoping review methodology undertakes a secondary analysis of collected data from previous research studies, this study does not require ethical approval. The results of this scoping review will be disseminated through presentations at conferences and publication in a scientific journal.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder, and post-traumatic growth among cancer survivors: a systematic scoping review of interventions

The detrimental effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the benefits of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) are well established for cancer survivors. Increased cancer survival rates necessitate an understanding of how these two paradoxical outcomes, PTSS/PTSD and PTG, are targeted through interventions. This systematic scoping review aims to (a) examine existing evidence on interventions targeting PTSS/PTSD and/or PTG among cancer survivors and (b) identify knowledge gaps to inform future research. Following the six steps of a scoping review, 76 articles met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative articles were examined using descriptive analysis. Frequency counts of the collated data were tabulated into summary tables. Qualitative articles were reviewed using meta-synthesis. Most articles were quantitative (n = 52) and targeted PTG (n = 68) through promising intervention approaches such as psychotherapy, mindfulness, physical activity, and psilocybin-assisted therapy. Three key implications for future research and practice were synthesized: (1) mechanistic considerations for intervention design that provide a roadmap for rigorous and theoretically-grounded research; (2) the need for improved representation of cancer survivors in trials; and (3) potential facilitators of intervention efficacy. Together, these findings can direct future research to optimize interventions to reduce PTSS/PTSD and promote PTG achievement among cancer survivors.

Polyvictimization, polystrengths, and their contribution to subjective well-being and posttraumatic growth

OBJECTIVE

The negative biopsychosocial outcomes associated with exposure to victimization are well-known, however, limited research has examined the protective factors that can enhance well-being and growth following polyvictimization from in-person and digital sources. This study examines the contribution of adversities and a range of psychological and social strengths on perceptions of subjective well-being and posttraumatic growth (PTG).

METHOD

A sample of 478 individuals aged 12-75 (57.5% female; Mage = 36.44) from a largely rural Appalachian region of the United States completed a survey on victimization experiences, other adversities, psychosocial strengths, subjective well-being, and PTG.

RESULTS

Approximately 93.3% of individuals reported at least one digital or in-person victimization, with 82.8% reporting two or more forms of victimization. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that strengths explained more than three times the variance in subjective well-being and PTG compared to adversities, with both models explaining about half of the variance in these outcomes (49% and 50%, respectively). Psychological endurance, sense of purpose, teacher support, and polystrengths were significantly associated with better well-being and/or PTG.

CONCLUSION

Some strengths hold more promise than others for promoting well-being and PTG following polyvictimization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

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.

The Effect of Mindfulness on Posttraumatic Growth of Mothers of Premature Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in mothers of premature infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Iran. Sixty mothers were selected by convenience sampling and assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received two MBSR sessions each week over the course of three weeks. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) was used to collect data before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Based on repeated measures ANOVA, group-by-time interaction effect was significant and there was a statistically significant difference in the mean PTG scores of mothers in the two groups over time (p = 0.004). MBSR increased PTG in mothers. As a result, it is suggested that this approach be used in psychological support programs for mothers who have premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.

Psychological predictors of the time perspective: The role of posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic growth, and temporal triggers in a sample of bereaved adults

INTRODUCTION

The process of coping with loss and trauma is inextricably linked with subjective experiences and perceptions of time. The Time Perspective Framework, suggests that temporal frames influence an individual's actions, judgements, and the decisions that they make. Similarly, time perspective has been linked with psychosocial outcomes of trauma and loss (e.g. posttraumatic stress disorder). The aim of this study is to identify factors that may influence survivor's time perspective in order to determine if posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), posttraumatic growth (PTG), and temporal triggers (MIT) influenced different time perspective orientations.

METHODS

Data was collected via Qualtrics survey between July 2019 and July 2020. Measures included basic demographic characteristics, posttraumatic stress disorder checklist, posttraumatic growth inventory, an assessment of temporal triggers, and the Zimbardo time perspective inventory. A series of OLS regression analyses were estimated.

RESULTS

PTG was positively associated with future time perspective scores, whereas PTSD was associated with an increase in past negative orientation. The endorsement of temporal triggers like markers in time was negatively associated with present hedonistic scores and positively associated with future time perspective scores. Interestingly, PTSD, PTG and the endorsement of MIT were not associated with present time perspective scores.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Identifying the relationship between PTSD, PTG, marker in time, and time perspective may offer important insights into treatment modalities that can improve outcomes for bereaved individuals. We discuss limitations of the current analysis and make recommendations for future research.

Connectedness to the young adult cancer community and post-traumatic growth: A young adults with cancer in their prime study

OBJECTIVE

For young adults (YAs) with cancer, connecting with peer cancer survivors can provide a unique sense of community and may enhance post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study examined the relationship between connectedness to the YA cancer community and PTG among YAs, independent of overall social support.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the young adults with cancer in their prime study, a cross-Canada survey of YA cancer survivors. Participants were stratified by level of social support into two groups (low/high). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between PTG and connectedness to the YA community adjusting for respondent characteristics, and the interaction between support and connectedness.

RESULTS

Of 444 respondents, mean age was 34.2 (SD = 6.0), time-since-diagnosis was 4.8 years (SD = 5.4), and 87% were female. Over two-thirds of respondents (71%) reported feeling connected to the YA community. Level of connectedness to the YA community did not differ by social support group, and interaction between social support and connectedness to the YA community was not significant. In the adjusted regression, connectedness to the YA community (aOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.10-4.91), high social support (aOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.36-6.74), greater time-since-diagnosis (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04-1.15) and female sex (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.23-4.04) were associated with greater odds of moderate-to-high PTG.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeling connected to a community of YA cancer peers was associated with moderate-to-high PTG among YAs, independent of overall perceived social support. Future efforts should increase access to YA cancer communities and foster a sense of connectedness among YAs with cancer.

The effect of a couple-based posttraumatic growth intervention in supporting couples coping with colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To promote posttraumatic growth (PTG) in colorectal cancer (CRC) couples, a couple-based PTG intervention was conducted, and the intervention had previously proved be feasible in CRC couples. The current study was conducted to validate the effects of intervention in CRC couples.

METHOD

This is a randomized controlled study that included 174 CRC couples. All participants were randomized to either the intervention (usual care plus 5-week PTG intervention, n = 87) or the control group (usual care, n = 87). Data were collected from CRC couple dyads at baseline and immediately post-intervention periods. Primary outcome refers to positive changes, and secondary outcomes include marital satisfaction, quality of life (QOL), and anxiety and depression. Multilevel modeling was applied to analyze the intervention effects.

RESULTS

Participants in the program showed increased PTG, marital satisfaction, and QOL both physically and mentally, and decreased levels of anxiety and depression over time. And spousal caregivers showed greater improvement in marital satisfaction and physical QOL compared with patients. In addition, significant intervention effects were shown in the participants' benefit finding, physical health and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The study confirmed the effect of the PTG intervention on CRC couples' benefit finding, physical health and depressive symptoms. However, this study only measured outcome variables at two time-points. Future studies should add follow-up assessments to evaluate long-term effects of the intervention in CRC couples.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300067809.

Posttraumatic growth experiences in suicide survivors: a qualitative inquiry in conflict zone

The present research explores the experience of positive psychological change i.e., posttraumatic growth (PTG) among the suicide survivors. Semi structured interview method was used to understand the process of PTG. Twelve young adults were recruited with the help of snowball sampling. Five themes emerged after data analysis i.e., social support, coping strategies, spiritual/religious change, changed priorities, and changed interpersonal relationships. Findings can provide new perspective to mental health professionals.

Relationship among post-traumatic growth, spiritual well-being, and perceived social support in Chinese women with gynecological cancer

This study aimed to examine the correlation between post-traumatic growth (PTG), spiritual well-being (SWB), perceived social support (PSS), and demographic and clinical factors in Chinese gynecological cancer patients. Through convenience sampling, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 771 adult patients with gynecological cancer. The European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Spiritual Well-being 32 (EORTC QLQ-SWB32), Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used to measure SWB, PTG, and PSS. A Multiple Linear Regression Model was used to determine the possible factors contributing to PTG. The subscale with the highest centesimal score in the PTGI was the Appreciation of Life Scale, and the lowest was New Possibility. Gynecologic cancer patients with younger ages (B =  - 0.313, P = 0.002), perceived more family support (B = 1.289, P < 0.001), had more existential (B = 0.865, P = 0.010), and had religious belief (B = 5.760, P = 0.034) may have more PTG. Spiritual well-being, perceived social support, younger age, and religious beliefs are associated with post-traumatic growth in gynecological cancer patients. Healthcare staff could provide more professional support to younger patients with religious beliefs. Promoting social support and spiritual well-being could potentially serve as effective interventions for boosting PTG among gynecological cancer.

Post-traumatic growth among emergency nurses after COVID-19 in Shanghai, China: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the post-traumatic growth of emergency nurses (ENs) in Shanghai, China, in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A phenomenological qualitative research approach was employed, with 17 ENs being interviewed between July and August 2022. Data collection was conducted through semistructured, in-depth interviews, and data analysis was carried out using the Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method.

SETTING

A third-level hospital in Shanghai.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 17 ENs were interviewed through face-to-face, semistructured, in-depth interviews.

RESULTS

Three main themes and eight subthemes were extracted from the data: (a) stress, (b) restructuring and (c) growth.

CONCLUSION

Significant stress was imposed on ENs by the Shanghai COVID-19 pandemic, but cognitive restructuring was successfully undergone by them, leading to the experience of growth. It is recommended that post-traumatic growth levels be enhanced through professional psychological counselling and tailored support measures for different stages.

A mixed methods experience sampling study of a posttraumatic growth model for addiction recovery

Problematic substance use and addiction is a growing crisis in the United States. As a result, identifying factors that effectively promote addiction recovery is, currently, of particular societal importance. Informed by evidence that-while addiction can be perpetuated by stress-related impulsivity and decreased self-regulation-perceived social support is protective against addiction, we test a model for addiction recovery as a form of posttraumatic growth (PTG), focused specifically on close relationships and personal strength-two domains of PTG. In an initial study, we found that perceived social support and impulsivity predicted number of relapses in individuals in a substance use disorder recovery program. Using experience sampling, we then observed that experiencing a stressful event predicted impulsive behavior. However, experiencing closeness with others-a domain of PTG-was directly associated with perceived social support, and both predicted positive emotional states, which were, in turn, inversely associated with experiencing a stressful event. Further, when experiencing a stressful event, personal strength-also a domain of PTG-was inversely associated with impulsive behavior and was predicted by both perceived social support and positive emotional states. Finally, in a follow-up experiment, we found that an ecological momentary intervention targeting perceived social support decreased impulsivity and increased self-regulation-an aspect of personal strength-in a dose-dependent fashion. Taken together, our findings: (1) support a PTG model for recovery; (2) provide evidence for processes by which close supportive relationships are protective against addiction and relapse; and (3) indicate that self-regulation is responsive to a short in-the-moment perceived social support intervention. We suggest that these findings support the theory that addiction is a social disease in the sense that close personal interactions and supportive relationships: (a) buffer against stress-related impulsivity, thereby protecting against addiction and relapse; and (b) increase personal strength, thereby decreasing the probability of impulsive-including addictive-behavior and promoting recovery.

Posttraumatic growth of medical staff during COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented stress and challenges upon medical staff, potentially resulting in posttraumatic growth (PTG). This scoping review aims to synthesize the existing knowledge on PTG among medical staff during the pandemic by identifying its current status and potential influencing factors. The findings may provide a foundation for future research and interventions to enhance the medical staff's psychological resilience and well-being.

METHODS

Literature was systematically searched on PTG among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic from 01 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed), and Wanfang Data. Eligibility criteria included: (1) medical staff as research subjects; (2) a focus on "posttraumatic growth" or "alternative posttraumatic growth" related to the COVID-19 outbreak and pandemic; (3) discussion of the situation and influencing factors of PTG; and (4) study types, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Two researchers independently selected and extracted study characteristics (study design, study population, region, measurement instruments, and primary outcomes) from the included literature. The data were synthesized qualitatively and descriptively.

RESULTS

Thirty-six papers from 12 countries met the inclusion criteria. Moderate PTG levels were observed among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with emphasis on "interpersonal relationships," "changes in life philosophy," and "growth in personal competence." Influencing factors included trauma exposure, sociodemographics, psychological characteristics (resilience and positive qualities), coping, and social support.

CONCLUSIONS

This review discovered moderate PTG levels among medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, with critical areas in interpersonal relationships, life philosophy, and personal competence. The identified influencing factors can inform future research and interventions to enhance healthcare workers' psychological resilience and well-being.

Salutogenesis: A sense of coherence and health among British military veterans exposed to impactful life challenges - the emergence of post-traumatic growth and positive deviance within a life-story approach

Background

This study sought to capture the perspectives and experiences of two sub-groups of military veterans, namely those who had previously been identified as offenders and those employed as practitioners within the criminal justice system in the United Kingdom.

Methods

The lead author undertook narrative inquiry in the form of life story research. The life stories of 17 in-depth interviews were conducted across England and Wales, allowing for insight into the lived experiences of two life story trajectories of the health of military veterans. Existing literature on salutogenesis, health, post-traumatic growth, and positive deviance has also been investigated.

Results

Life story interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed concurrently using thematic analysis to identify emergent themes. The researchers used thematic analysis as an analytical framework to allow descriptive themes from the literature on salutogenesis, health, post-traumatic, and positive deviance to be compared with those of life-story interviews.

Conclusion

The study adopts a salutogenic approach, which suggests that an important indicator for a sense of coherence is enabled through the positive utilization of resilience through the reconstruction of military identity and experience. Notably, the concept of salutogenesis demonstrates the ability to draw from internal and external resources as circumstances require, to survive, and because of this, the participants' health is maintained or improved. Hence, adaptation was notable through the coherence identified by the identity of being a veteran noted between the two subgroups and represents a continuous and dynamic process. The study suggests that the development of a sense of coherence is not restricted to the early decades of life but is a continuous process as contexts, personal circumstances, and opportunities arise. This later point is realized through the presence of post-traumatic growth and positive deviance, as they aid in the nurturing and development of a renewed sense of coherence via the known identity of military service and life.

Association of Rumination and Metacognition with Posttraumatic Growth in Parents of Children with Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to examine the association of rumination, metacognition, and posttraumatic with growth in parents of children diagnosed with cancer.

DATA SOURCES

The study adopted a descriptive correlational design, and participants (N = 103) were parents of children with cancer. The study was conducted online through the social media platforms of three cancer associations. Data were collected using the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, the Event Related Rumination Inventory, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed a positive correlation between deliberate rumination and metacognition with posttraumatic growth, while a negative correlation was observed between intrusive rumination and posttraumatic growth. Furthermore, deliberate rumination, intrusive rumination, and metacognition collectively accounted for 30% of the variance in posttraumatic growth among parents of children with cancer. These results underscore the significant influence of rumination and metacognition in facilitating posttraumatic growth in this specific population. Consequently, interventions aimed at fostering deliberate rumination hold substantial potential for promoting posttraumatic growth among parents of children diagnosed with cancer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

This research guides nurses in addressing rumination, metacognition, and posttraumatic growth in parents of children with cancer. By adopting a holistic approach, nurses can enhance parents' well-being and resilience in the face of a child's cancer diagnosis.

Interpersonal and intrapersonal factors contributing to women's posttraumatic growth following perinatal loss

OBJECTIVE

Despite the high prevalence of perinatal loss and its potential for negative impact on mental health, specific risk and resilience factors contributing to adjustment following perinatal loss have not been fully explored. This study investigated the relationship between attachment security, dyadic coping, and posttraumatic growth (PTG).

METHOD

Women who had experienced miscarriage or stillbirth (n = 244) were recruited via social media and completed an online survey that assessed their attachment security, dyadic coping, and PTG. Loss context factors and demographics were also collected. Hypotheses were tested via hierarchical multiple regression and PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

Attachment security was related to couples' relational functioning. Dyadic coping mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance and PTG.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence that relational security and ability to utilize a partner to reduce distress following perinatal loss is an important factor contributing to positive psychological change. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Development and Evaluation of a Post-Traumatic Growth Program for Teachers Victimized by Students or Parents in South Korea: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group study developed an eight-session post-traumatic growth program for teachers who had experienced violence from students and/or parents and examined its effects on rumination, burnout, and post-traumatic growth. A convenience sample was recruited from 11 elementary schools in Jeonbuk province, South Korea. The experimental group (n = 27) participated in bi-weekly sessions over four weeks, whereas the control group (n = 27) read educational materials on post-traumatic growth during the same period. The experimental group exhibited significantly greater decreases in intrusive rumination and higher post-traumatic growth than the control group. The program could be an effective intervention to assist traumatized teachers.

Psychological reactions to COVID-19: Ambiguous loss, posttraumatic growth, and coronavirus impact among college students

OBJECTIVE

As social distancing and mask requirements lift, young adults may experience continued impacts from the pandemic. For example, college students may be particularly vulnerable to negative impact of COVID-19 due to social isolation, disruption to education, and lost personal and economic opportunity.

METHOD

In order to investigate how psychological reactions (e.g., ambiguous loss, psychological growth) predict current COVID-19 impact, 224 students (Mage = 20.21, SD = 2.64) from a private liberal arts college completed a cross-sectional survey during February or March 2022.

RESULTS

Several demographic findings emerged, including increased impact among older students (B = .25, p = .01) and caregiving students (B = 2.14, p < .001), while ambiguous loss (B = .24, p < .001) appeared to be the strongest predictor after controlling for demographic factors and COVID awareness. Finally, the relationship between posttraumatic psychological growth and COVID impact was moderated by first-generation student status, B = .15, p = .04.

CONCLUSIONS

First-generation students reported elevated levels of COVID impact even when reporting high levels of growth, while posttraumatic growth buffered impact among non-first-generation students. Results support the need for targeted college-based resources and services for students who may need long-term social support and trauma-informed intervention following the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Contributing factors to secondary traumatic stress and vicarious posttraumatic growth in therapists

Alongside the recognized potential negative repercussions of working as a psychological therapist, there is growing interest in the potential positive impacts of engaging in such work. The current study used a cross-sectional online survey design to explore the impact of a range of demographic, work-related, and compassion-related factors on levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG) in an international sample of 359 psychological therapists. Hierarchical multiple regressions demonstrated that burnout, lower levels of self-compassion, having a personal trauma history, reporting a higher percentage of working time with a trauma focus, and being female were the statistically significant contributors to STS scores, explaining 40.8% of the variance, F(9, 304) = 23.2, p <.001. For VPTG, higher compassion satisfaction, higher self-compassion, higher STS, a higher percentage of working time with a trauma focus, fewer years qualified, being male, and having a personal trauma history were all statistically significant contributors, explaining 27.3% of the variance, F (10, 304) = 11.37, p <.001. The findings illustrate the potential risk and protective factors for developing STS and clarify factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing VPTG. Implications for psychological therapists and the organizations and institutions for which they work are considered along with potential directions for future research in the discussion.

Testing Cognitive Models to Characterize Trauma Anniversary Reactions Marked by Stress and Growth

OBJECTIVE

Contemporary theories conceptualize the anniversary of a traumatic event as a trauma reminder capable of activating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The current study uses the cognitive stress and growth model to examine this model's usefulness in characterizing anniversary reactions.

METHOD

Participants (N = 197) were MTurk workers who endorsed an "emotionally charged reaction on or near the anniversary of a tragic event." They completed assessments of PTSD, posttraumatic growth (PTG), sense of control, rumination, and trauma centrality.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analyses found both anniversary-related stress and PTSD symptoms were associated with similar factors with similar magnitude across both outcomes. Trauma centrality was uniquely associated with anniversary-related PTG.

CONCLUSIONS

Anniversaries marked by stress are characterized by factors similar to PTSD generally, but growth-related reactions have different correlates compared to PTG outside the reaction. These findings suggest the anniversary period may be a time of self-reflection about the event and its impact.

The relationship among posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic growth, and suicidal ideation among Italian healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health across different groups, including healthcare workers (HWs). To date, few studies focused on potential positive aspects that may follow the exposure to the pandemic. We investigated the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Italian HWs and whether posttraumatic growth (PTG) dimensions affected the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) during the first COVID-19 wave.

METHODS

An online self-report survey was conducted between April and May 2020. Sociodemographic data, information about COVID-19-related stressful events, Impact of the Event Scale-revised, and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF) scores were collected and compared between participants. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores were also collected to assess SI through item 9. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between PTGI and SI.

RESULTS

Among 948 HWs, 257 (27.0%) reported a provisional PTSD diagnosis. The median PTGI-SF score was 24. Participants reporting PTSD symptoms had higher scores in the Spiritual change, Appreciation of life, and New possibilities domains, and in the total PTG scale. A total of 100 HWs (10.8%) screened positive for SI. Improvements in Relating to others domain of PTGI-SF (odds ratioOR: .46; 95% confidence interval: .25-.85) were associated with lower odds of SI.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 pandemic has been indicated as a risk factor for SI, also among HWs. PTG may have a protective role on suicide risk. Improvements in Relating to others domain reduced odds of SI, consistently with the role of loneliness and lack of connectedness with others in enhancing suicidal risk.

Posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings: A scoping review of prevalence, characteristics and interventions

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological change following trauma. However, there is a need to better understand the experience of posttraumatic growth in the palliative care setting as well as the availability and efficacy of interventions that target this phenomenon.

AIMS

To provide a review of the prevalence, characteristics and interventions involving posttraumatic growth in adults receiving palliative care and to collate recommendations for future development and utilisation of interventions promoting posttraumatic growth.

DESIGN

We performed a systematic scoping review of studies investigating posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings using the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. We used the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.

DATA SOURCES

Articles in all languages available on Ovid Medline [1946-2022], Embase [1947-2022], APA PsycINFO [1947-2022] and CINAHL [1981-2022] in November 2022.

RESULTS

Of 2167 articles located, 17 were included for review. These reported that most people report low to moderate levels of posttraumatic growth with a decline towards end-of-life as distress and symptom burden increase. Associations include a relationship between posttraumatic growth, acceptance and greater quality-of-life. A limited number of interventions have been evaluated and found to foster posttraumatic growth and promote significant psychological growth.

CONCLUSION

Posttraumatic growth is an emerging concept in palliative care where although the number of studies is small, early indications suggest that interventions fostering posttraumatic growth may contribute to improvements in psychological wellbeing in people receiving palliative care.

Role of Post-Traumatic Growth in Bereavement Outcomes: An Inquiry of Family Caregivers in Hospice

Background: Family caregivers (FCGs) encounter several physical, psychosocial, and financial struggles while caring for a dying loved one. After their loved one has passed, FCGs face new difficulties as they transition out of the caregiving role and into bereavement. Recent research has focused on the positive adaptive outcomes of bereavement. Objective: This study examined the relationship between core bereavement experiences and post-traumatic growth (PTG) for bereaved hospice FCGs. Design: This is a quantitative cross-sectional mail-in survey. Settings/Subjects: A total of 395 bereaved FCGs of patients who died while under the care of a comprehensive hospice program were surveyed. Measurements: Demographics were collected. Bereavement experiences were assessed using the core bereavement items, and PTG was assessed using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Both surveys are validated measures. Results: Two-tailed bivariate correlations were used to analyze the relationships between bereavement experiences and PTG. Significant positive relationships were found between all bereavement experiences and PTG variables (p = <0.01-0.011, r = 0.134-0.290), except for one variable pairing (grief × new possibilities). Participants who reported more intense bereavement experiences also reported greater PTG, especially in the areas relating to others and appreciation of life. Conclusion: FCGs who undergo more intense bereavement experiences tend to experience greater PTG. This information can be used in the future to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of grief and loss.

Individual and community experiences of posttraumatic growth after disaster: 10 years after the Australian Black Saturday bushfires

OBJECTIVE

To understand longer-term posttraumatic growth (PTG) and how this is associated with individual and community bushfire experiences.

METHOD

Survey data (n = 391) from the Beyond Bushfires and the 10-year Beyond Bushfires studies were analyzed. Multilevel modeling examined relationships between basic individual demographics, bushfire exposure, and community-level variables at 3-4 years after the fires, and PTG at 10 years using the short form of the PTG Inventory.

RESULTS

Ten years after these Australian bushfires, being female, experiencing higher degrees of property loss, and stronger individual sense of community were the factors associated with PTG. Approximately 12% of the variance observed in PTG scores was attributable to differences in PTG across communities. Individuals from medium and high bushfire-affected communities reported significantly higher PTG relative to those in low bushfire-affected communities. While there was evidence of community differences in PTG, and individuals' own sense of community was positively and significantly associated with increased PTG, community-level cohesion scores were not found to be significantly related to PTG (although the trend was in the expected direction).

CONCLUSIONS

PTG is evident in longer-term disaster recovery. While PTG appears to vary across communities, the findings suggest that it is an individual's own sense of community (rather than community-level cohesion) that is most closely related to this longer-term growth following a bushfire event. While PTG is currently understood as an outcome of individual-level perceptions, community-level experiences shape the potential for positive transformations to occur after disasters and warrant further investigation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

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.

Associations between Psychological Resilience and Social Support with Posttraumatic Growth in Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study examined the associations of psychological resilience, perceived social support, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in breast cancer (BC) patients (N = 203). The participants' mean age was 43.14 ± 9.06, 80.3% were married, 40.9% had a university degree, 61.6% were unemployed, and 72.4% reported a moderate economic status. No significant correlation was found between PTG and psychological resilience, while a moderate and positive correlation was observed between PTG and perceived social support. A weak and positive correlation was also detected between perceived social support and psychological resilience.    Professionals working in the field of psycho-oncology and social work can make attempts to increase psychological resilience, perceived social support, and PTG in BC patients.

Posttraumatic Growth and its Correlates Among Parents of Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

This study examined the posttraumatic growth (PTG) about parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and the correlates of PTG.

A cross-sectional study.

Parents (N = 388) of children with isolated CL/P (ages 3 months-18 years) who had at least one cleft surgery within an oral and maxillofacial surgery department of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital in a provincial capital in southwest China.

Demographic information questionnaire, The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Social Support Rating Scale were used for data collection.

Parents' mean PTG score was in the moderate range (M = 65.7, SD = 13.73). PTG differed regarding the participants' sex, ethnicity, and educational background. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that positive coping (r = 0.43, P < .01), negative coping (r = 0.13, P < .01), and social support (r = 0.26, P < .01) were positively correlated with PTG. Multiple regression model showed that 20.6% (P < .001) of the variance in PTG was explained by higher positive coping (β = 0.35, P < .001), greater social support (β = 0.13, P = .01), and for cleft lip compared to cleft palate (β = -0.14, P ≤ .01), with no variance difference for cleft lip and palate.

Parents of children with CL/P had moderate PTG. Potentially modifiable correlates of PTG suggest interventions to enhance parental positive coping and social support may increase PTG. Further studies are needed to confirm the PTG level and its affecting factors of parents of children with CL/P.

Post-traumatic growth in parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors compared to the general population: A report from the Swiss childhood cancer survivor study-Parents

OBJECTIVE

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) describes perceived positive changes following a traumatic event. We describe (i) PTG in parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS-parents) compared to parents of similar-aged children of the general population (comparison-parents), (ii) normative data for the Swiss population, and (iii) psychological, socio-economic, and event-related characteristics associated with PTG.

METHODS

CCS-parents (aged ≤16 years at diagnosis, ≥20 years old at study, registered in the Childhood Cancer Registry Switzerland (ChCR), and the Swiss population responded to a paper-based survey, including the PTG-Inventory (total score 0-105). We carried out (i) t-tests, (ii) descriptive statistics, and (iii) multilevel regression models with survivor/household as the cluster variable.

RESULTS

In total, 746 CCS-parents (41.7% fathers, response-rate = 42.3%) of 494 survivors (median time since diagnosis 24 (7-40) years), 411 comparison-parents (42.8% fathers, 312 households), and 1069 individuals of the Swiss population (40.7% male, response-rate = 20.1%) participated. Mean [M] total PTG was in CCS-parents M = 52.3 versus comparison-parents M = 50.4, p = 0.078; and in the Swiss population M = 44.5). CCS-parents showed higher 'relating-to-others' (18.4 vs. 17.3, p = 0.010), 'spiritual-change' (3.3 vs. 3.0, p = 0.038) and 'appreciation-of-life' (9.3 vs. 8.4, p = 0.027) than comparison-parents, but not in 'new-possibilities' and 'personal-strength'. Female gender, older age, higher post-traumatic stress, and higher resilience were positively associated with PTG. Individuals reporting events not typically classified as traumatic also reported growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that mothers and fathers can experience heightened growth many years after their child's illness. Being able to sensitively foreshadow the potential for new-possibilities and personal development may help support parents in developing a sense of hope.

Nonlinear Changes in Facial Affect and Posttraumatic Growth: Assessment of Ecological Momentary Assessment Video Data

Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), characterized by newfound meaning, perspective, and purpose for trauma survivors, remains enigmatic in its nature. This state is thought to arise from the dynamic interplay of biopsychosocial factors; however, the nature of this interplay is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between PTG and facial affect dynamics, shedding light on the complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors that underpin this transformative process. We conducted a comprehensive investigation involving 19 wildfire survivors who provided daily self-reported PTG ratings alongside smartphone videos analyzed using Automated Facial Affect Recognition (AFAR) software. Our findings revealed compelling evidence of self-organization within facial affect, as indicated by notably high mean R2 and shape parameter values (i.e., nonlinear indices indicative of structural integrity and flexibility). Further regression analyses unveiled a significant interaction between the degree of facial affect 'burstiness' and coping self-efficacy (CSE) on PTG. This interaction suggested that PTG development was a nuanced process intricately linked to the coherence of emotion patterns exhibited by individuals. These insights illuminate the multifaceted dynamics at play in the emergence of PTG and contribute to a broader understanding of its biopsychosocial foundations.

Women's experience of post-traumatic growth following a traumatic birth: an interpretive phenomenological analysis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 3-5% of women experience post-traumatic stress disorder following birth; positive experiences that can follow traumatic birth are under-researched.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore how women experience post-traumatic growth following a traumatic birth.

METHODS

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore experiences of women who self-identified as having found positive benefits through coping with a traumatic birth. Eight women who had birthed in the past five years in the UK were recruited online and interviewed face-to-face.

RESULTS

Three superordinate themes were developed: 'The total opposite to what I'd expected' (participants' struggle to understand and integrate their birth experience in the postnatal period); 'I see it a bit differently now' (processes experienced in coming to a place of growth); and 'A much better place' (experienced growth 'outcomes').

DISCUSSION

Faced with shattered assumptions whereby their birth experiences contrasted with their expectations, participants felt their identities as women and mothers were challenged. In overcoming these challenges, participants described actively striving to cope and make sense of their experience. Multiple factors facilitated this, notably partner support, telling their birth story, acknowledging the impact and developing a compassionate narrative. Although growth was experienced in ways commonly reported by survivors of challenging life events, some aspects appeared pertinent to birth trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

Widening our understanding of the range of experiences following traumatic birth and making these narratives public may offer hope for some women and families and inform health professionals' education and practice. Further research would be needed before advocating interventions to foster post-traumatic growth.

Exploring the Meanings of Posttraumatic Growth in Spanish Survivors of Clergy-Perpetrated Child Sexual Abuse: A Phenomenological Approach

A healing and recovery perspective related to child sexual abuse (CSA) has gained attention in the past two decades, a concept that accurately refers to the process is posttraumatic growth (PTG). Scarce empirical research on PTG in clergy-perpetrated CSA survivors shows evidence of the presence of growth after the abusive experience and a tendency to create accounts of trauma as a way to heal. The general aim of the study is to explore the experiences and meanings of PTG as lived by survivors of clergy-perpetrated CSA. Seven clergy-perpetrated CSA survivors were interviewed with semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted in person. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified three dominant themes in the participants' stories: (a) the hindering of PTG; (b) the meanings of PTG, and (c) the internal and contextual and facilitators of PTG. The present study brings new insights into the meanings of PTG, the close relationship between damage and growth, and the mechanisms (both internal and contextual) that are involved in healing from clergy-perpetrated CSA in Spanish culture.

Risk perception predicts post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in China: the mediation effect of engaging in health-protective behaviors

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the public to enormous health risks and induced wide-ranging impacts on people's mental health. Post-traumatic growth is a possible psychological benefits that may occur during struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. This research explored 1) demographics differences on risk perception of COVID-19 pandemic, engagement in health-protective behavior and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic; and 2) the mediation effect of engaging in health-protective behaviors between risk perception and post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Females showed a significant higher level of engagement in health-protective behaviors. People who were married reported a significantly higher level of risk perception, engagement in health-protective behavior and post-traumatic growth than those who were in other marital status (i.e. single, divorced, widowed). People who had acquaintances being infected with COVID-19 reported significant higher level of risk perception and engagement in health-protective behaviors. Engagement in health-protective behaviors mediated the relationship between risk perception and post-traumatic growth. Implications of the results for public health interventions are discussed.