Factors associated with post-traumatic growth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national sample of U.S. military veterans

Background: Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 and MERS pose a major threat to healthcare workers' (HCWs) physical and mental health. Studies exploring the positive changes gained from adapting to traumatic events, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), have attracted much attention. However, it is unclear which factors or experiences lead to PTG among HCWs. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate factors associated with PTG among HCWs who experienced the MERS outbreak in South Korea, and fully describe their experience of developing PTG.Methods: Quantitative data from 78 participants were collected using psychometric tools for Psychological distress, Resilience, and Support for coping, and Post-traumatic growth. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven nurses. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method according to the sub-themes of resilience, which was the main factor associated with PTG.Results: We found resilience to have a significant impact on PTG (ß =0.486, p = 0.001). Thus the qualitative interviews were analyzed using the core concepts of resilience. Qualitative interviews with nurses illustrated how participants experienced the development of resilience in terms of its sub-factors: hardiness, persistence, optimism, and support.Conclusion: HCWs who endured the MERS outbreak showed high levels of PTG, and the analysis of the interview data provided a fuller understanding on the experience of remaining resilient and developing PTG. These results provide practical and pragmatic information helpful for developing intervention strategies and protocols that can help HCWs transform adversity into growth and development.

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Factors Associated With Post-Traumatic Growth in Korean Survivors of Childhood Cancer

10.1188/22.onf.71-80 ◽

2022 ◽

Keyword(s):

Childhood Cancer ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Post Traumatic Growth ◽

Post Traumatic ◽

Survivors Of Childhood Cancer

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TBI 13 years on: factors associated with post-traumatic growth

Disability and Rehabilitation ◽

10.3109/09638288.2011.644384 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 34 (17) ◽

pp. 1461-1467 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Trevor Powell ◽

Rachael Gilson ◽

Christine Collin

Keyword(s):

Factors Associated ◽

Post Traumatic Growth ◽

Post Traumatic

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Factors associated with psychiatric morbidity, post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic growth in paramedic first responders: the role of core beliefs

Australasian Journal of Paramedicine ◽

10.33151/ajp.17.727 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

Author(s):

Lois J Surgenor ◽

Deborah L Snell ◽

Martin Dorahy

Keyword(s):

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽

Traumatic Stress ◽

Stress Disorder ◽

Psychiatric Morbidity ◽

Core Beliefs ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Core Belief ◽

Post Traumatic Growth ◽

Post Traumatic

IntroductionParamedics are routinely exposed to traumatic events. This study describes the rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychiatric morbidity and levels of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in New Zealand first responder paramedics, exploring a mix of demographic, professional, crewing status and exposure risk factors associated with these outcomes and their associations with core belief disruptions.MethodsA cross-sectional study recruited paramedics (N=579) working in a first responder role. Univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regressions were conducted to identify predictors of PTSD, non-specific psychiatric morbidity and PTG in trauma-exposed participants.ResultsTwo-thirds (66.3%) reported significant psychiatric morbidity, with volunteer paramedics being significantly less at risk when compared with professional paramedics (OR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.31-0.87; p<0.01). Probable PTSD was reported by 14.6% of participants. Older age reduced the odds of this (OR=0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.98; p<0.01) while experiencing greater disruptions in core beliefs increased the odds (OR=2.75; 95% CI: 2.00-3.77; p<0.01). Being female (t=4.70; p<0.01) and experiencing greater core belief disruption (t=7.54; p<0.01) (adjusted R2=0.27) independently contributed to PTG. ConclusionAlthough PTSD rates were typical of first responders generally, psychiatric morbidity rates were high and may be more prevalent in professional staff. Contextual and methodological factors may have influenced these outcomes. Core belief disruptions predict both negative and positive emotional states, suggesting their important role in workplace interventions.

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