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

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Nicole Casali ◽  
Tommaso Feraco ◽  
Chiara Meneghetti
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

When death strikes early as often will: How counsellors and schools can support grieving pupils and students

2021 ◽  
pp. 136548022199684
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Wango ◽  
Leila Mkameli Gwiyo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Death Of Parent

Death is inevitable and universal, and the corona virus disease has only further intensified a world of uncertainties as a result of frequent accidents, HIV/AIDS, cancer and natural disasters. Bereavement after any death is a potentially disruptive life event with consequences in physical and mental health, relationships and social functioning. Death is a rather odd, thought-provoking and challenging experience, particularly in the lives of children and adolescents. Death of parent/s, sibling, relative/s, teacher, classmate or friend is a relatively new and challenging phenomenon. Persons working with pupils and students, including teachers, counsellors, school chaplain and social workers, need to be prepared to offer help to those who experience bereavement. Death is unpredictable and may occur naturally, suddenly, or traumatically. In several instances, help is sometimes required in advance of bereavement in that the death may be anticipated such as instances of prolonged illness or following a fatal accident. In all cases, the role of the teacher and counsellor in the school is pivotal in supporting pupils and students who have been bereaved. This paper highlights the need to impart post-traumatic growth in bereft pupils and students in schools in order to cope with bereavement.

scholarly journals The Impact of Coping Skills in Post-traumatic Growth of Healthcare Providers: When Mental Health Is Deteriorating Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lulejete Prekazi ◽  
Vjosa Hajrullahu ◽  
Shegë Bahtiri ◽  
Blerta Kryeziu ◽  
Blertë Hyseni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Coping Skills ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Potentially Traumatic Events ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

Background: Frontline healthcare providers are consistently exposed to potentially traumatic events while assisting patients with COVID-19. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) happens when a person can transform trauma and use adversity in one’s advantage. In response to limited studies on positive outcomes that may occur from the pandemic; this study aimed to elucidate the positive impact of coping with COVID-19 outbreak on mental health, such as PTG.Methodology: The study comprised a sample of 691 healthcare providers 59% female, including physicians (n = 138) and nurses (n = 550), working in public health facilities in Kosovo, with an average age of 41.6 years (SD = 10.79). They were asked to complete a questionnaire with four parts: Socio-demographic, GHQ-28, COPE and PTGI. A deterioration of mental health with somatic symptoms leading to the escalation due to COVID-19 outbreak was found.Results: Female healthcare providers reported more clinical symptoms as well as higher coping skills scores than men. The domains in which positive changes were most frequently observed were Relating to Others, New Possibilities and Personal Strength. There was no significant direct effect of mental health on PTG in the mediation model, though a significant indirect effect was observed for coping skills.Conclusion: The results suggest that levels of mental health exacerbation do not play a conclusive role in determining levels of PTG, as long coping mechanisms are in place. The development and implementation of interventions to minimize COVID-19-related mental health consequences, by fostering PTG among healthcare providers could be highly beneficial in pandemic response work.

scholarly journals Did we learn something positive out of the COVID-19 pandemic? Post-traumatic growth and mental health in the general population

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Giulia Menculini ◽  
Umberto Albert ◽  
Valeria Bianchini ◽  
Claudia Carmassi ◽  
Giuseppe Carrà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

scholarly journals Spatial clustering of people with memories and responses six years after an earthquake in Cauquenes, Chile

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Leiva-Bianchi ◽  
Carlos Mena ◽  
Yony Ormazábal ◽  
Carlos Serrano
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Spatial Clustering ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Geographic Clustering ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

The occurrence of earthquakes can cause psychiatric problems expressed as unpleasant and uncontrollable memories of the event termed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mapping the location of people and identifying their exposure and reactions to an earthquake can be extremely valuable from a public, mental health point of view. The main objective of this study was to examine people with respect to PTSD and healthy post-traumatic growth (PTG) after an earthquake searching for expression of geographic clustering that could be useful for a better understanding of mental health conditions. Geographic information systems analyses were performed to detect global and local geographic clustering. Investigating 171 randomly selected adults from Cauquenes, Chile, we demonstrated spatially clustered variables related to PTSD and PTG in Cauquenes six years after an earthquake. Urban and peri-urban areas had clear differences (hotspots/coldspots). The spatial identifications found should facilitate exploring the impact of mental health programmes in communities exposed to disasters like earthquakes, thereby improving their quality of life as well as reducing overall costs.

Studying Post-Traumatic Growth Across the Adult Life Span

2021 ◽  
pp. 186-211
Author(s):  
Omar E. Staben ◽  
Molly J. Gardner ◽  
Frank J. Infurna ◽  
Suniya S. Luthar ◽  
Kevin J. Grimm
Keyword(s):  
Life Span ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Character Strengths ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Adult Life Span ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Methodological Considerations

This chapter discusses conceptual and methodological considerations for studying post-traumatic growth across adulthood and into old age. Conceptual considerations that the authors focus on include examining character strengths and virtues longitudinally across multiple age groups and also the stability of these strengths and virtues across the life span. Methodological considerations elaborated are the use of convenience sampling in scale development and the importance of measurement invariance when examining character strengths in the context of post-traumatic growth. The authors provide examples from previous research on post-traumatic growth and discuss methods of measurement that could be utilized to enhance the validity of current measures. The chapter highlights the importance of character strengths and virtues and aims to solidify their role in the scientific community. Additionally, it highlights the need for more rigorous lines of scientific inquiry in this area due to its potential to impact healthy aging outcomes for persons across the adult life span.

scholarly journals Post-traumatic growth in mental health recovery: qualitative study of narratives

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e029342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Slade ◽  
Stefan Rennick-Egglestone ◽  
Laura Blackie ◽  
Joy Llewellyn-Beardsley ◽  
Donna Franklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Self Discovery

ObjectivesPost-traumatic growth, defined as positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with challenging life circumstances, is under-researched in people with mental health problems. The aim of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for post-traumatic growth in the context of recovery for people with psychosis and other severe mental health problems.DesignQualitative thematic analysis of cross-sectional semi-structured interviews about personal experiences of mental health recovery.SettingEngland.ParticipantsParticipants were adults aged over 18 and: (1) living with psychosis and not using mental health services (n=21); (2) using mental health services and from black and minority ethnic communities (n=21); (3) underserved, operationalised as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community or complex needs or rural community (n=19); or (4) employed in peer roles using their lived experience with others (n=16). The 77 participants comprised 42 (55%) female and 44 (57%) white British.ResultsComponents of post-traumatic growth were present in 64 (83%) of recovery narratives. Six superordinate categories were identified, consistent with a view that post-traumatic growth involves learning about oneself (self-discovery) leading to a new sense of who one is (sense of self) and appreciation of life (life perspective). Observable positively valued changes comprise a greater focus on self-management (well-being) and more importance being attached to relationships (relationships) and spiritual or religious engagement (spirituality). Categories are non-ordered and individuals may start from any point in this process.ConclusionsPost-traumatic growth is often part of mental health recovery. Changes are compatible with research about growth following trauma, but with more emphasis on self-discovery, integration of illness-related experiences and active self-management of well-being. Trauma-related growth may be a preferable term for participants who identify as having experienced trauma. Trauma-informed mental healthcare could use the six identified categories as a basis for new approaches to supporting recovery.Trial registration numberISRCTN11152837

scholarly journals Perceived and Actual Growth Following Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation: Longitudinal Evidence of Greater Decline than Growth

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Corman ◽  
M.-T. Rubio ◽  
A. Cabrespine ◽  
I. Brindel ◽  
J.-O. Bay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Actual Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Psychological Disposition

Abstract Background. This prospective longitudinal study examined perceived and actual changes in post-traumatic growth following Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and their relationships with mental health and psychological disposition. We also tested the hypothesis that unwillingness to be in contact with distressing thoughts and feelings—i.e. experiential avoidance—would moderate the relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and growth.Methods. This study was carried out with 187 patients. All patients completed the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) five months after HSCT and also scales tapping into the five domains of PTGI during and 5 months after HSCT. Mental health and psychological disposition were also assessed prior to hospitalization. A PTSD scale was administrated at the five-month follow-up.Results. Perceived and actual change were weakly correlated. Bayesian pre/post-HSCT comparisons in actual growth revealed substantial to very strong decline in four of the five dimensions assessed. Overall, RCI indicated a reliable increase for 5.6% of patients and a reliable decrease for 40.8% of patients. Confirming that perceived and actual growth reflect different processes, they were not related to the same mental health and psychological disposition variables. Moreover, the hypothesis that acquiring positive outcomes from a traumatic event, such as HSCT, requires direct confrontation with the source of distress that was supported in the case of perceived growth but not in the case of actual growth.Conclusions. Retrospective measures such as the PTGI do not appear to assess actual pre- to post-HSCT change. HSCT seems more linked to psychological decline than to growth.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document