Post-Traumatic Growth in Later Adulthood

2021 ◽  
pp. 105-122
Author(s):  
Gloria Luong ◽  
J. Doug Coatsworth ◽  
Sy-Miin Chow
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Living ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Longitudinal Measurement ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal ◽  
Number Of Individuals ◽  
Different Time Scales

This chapter focuses on conceptual notions and methodological approaches for examining whether post-traumatic growth is possible in older adults, with an emphasis on individual and dyadic approaches. A majority of the literature to this point has focused on examining changes in the individual who experienced the traumatic event, but much less is known regarding how a partner or spouse responds to the traumatic event. This chapter discusses how the use of multimethod prospective longitudinal measurement burst designs can provide insights into this growth following a traumatic event. The authors discuss as an example the case when at least one partner is planning to transition into assisted living. An increasing number of individuals reaching old age must make the decision to transition into an assisted living or similar type of home. The use of multimethod prospective longitudinal designs enables the researcher to delineate the extent to which character virtues may change on different time scales in terms of state character virtues assessed in daily life (e.g., how altruistic a person is in a given moment or day) versus trait characteristics (e.g., how altruistic a person is, on average) and elucidate hypothesized transactional mechanisms (e.g., individual differences, dyadic, and contextual factors, such as experiences of daily stressors) that may promote or inhibit changes in character virtues.

Perceived post-traumatic growth may not reflect actual positive change: A short-term prospective study of relationship dissolution

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 3098-3116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Owenz ◽  
Blaine J. Fowers
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Relationship Dissolution ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Primary Sample ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual

Romantic relationship breakups induce significant distress, which has prompted interest in the possibility of post-traumatic growth (PTG) following relationship dissolution. However, most studies have relied on retrospective self-reports of growth, raising questions about the actuality of growth following breakup. This prospective study assessed relationship quality prior to breakup, measured growth over time, included a comparison group that did not experience breakup, and tested rival hypotheses to assess PTG in comparison with positive reappraisal (PR). College students ( N = 599) in romantic relationships were recruited as participants and assessed at two time points approximately 10 weeks apart. The primary sample includes participants who experienced a relationship breakup ( N = 100). Results indicated that, following a breakup, participants reported a high degree of breakup distress and perceived growth. The pattern of results suggests that reports of perceived PTG may reflect PR processes, as evidenced by the correlation between optimism at Time 1 and perceived, but not actual, PTG at Time 2. Consistent with previous prospective research, but differing from much of the retrospective research, a measure of “actual growth” was unrelated to distress, perceived growth, or whether the individual experienced a breakup. The results corroborate research suggesting that retrospective reports of PTG may not reflect actual personal growth measured before and after a traumatic event. Results are discussed in terms of the circumstances in which PR or growth in relationship choices and behaviors may be most appropriate.

MO946THE LEVEL OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH LONG TERM DURATION OF GRAFT

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Battaglia ◽  
Luigi Zerbinati ◽  
Michele Provenzano ◽  
Pasquale Esposito ◽  
Michele Andreucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Stress Disorders ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnoses ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplant (KT)can cause a psychological trauma due to changes in self-perception, in interpersonal relationships, and in the philosophy of life. However, the exposure to this traumatic event might lead to not only stress disorders but also positive growth. Primary aim of study was to evaluate the prevalence of post-traumatic growth (PTG)in KTRs. Secondary aim was to explore any association between PTG and psychiatric, psychosocial and medical variables, specifically psychiatric diagnoses, demoralization, as well as physical and general problems or symptoms. Method KTRs followed up in a single nephrology Unit, were evaluated. Each patient was individually administered MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0. and DCPR interview to evaluate ICD-10 psychiatric diagnoses and DCPR diagnoses. PTG Inventory (PTGI), ESAS-revised, CPC, and DS-IT were given as self-report instruments to be filled in. PTGI was used to investigate positive psychological experience of patients after KT on a 0 to 5-point Likert scale(0=I did not experience this change as a result of my KT;5=I experienced this change to a very great degree as a result of my KT).It consists of 21 items divided in five factors: New Possibilities(NP),Relating to Others(RO),Personal Strength(PS),Spiritual Change(SC),and Appreciation of Life(AL).ESAS-revised, DS-IT and CPC were used to examine the severity of physical and psychological symptoms on a 0 to 10 scale; to measure the severity of demoralization on a 0 to 4 scale and to evaluate the physical and general problems in a yes/no(0–1)format, respectively. Results Data pertaining to 134 out of 143 consecutive outpatients were collected. Clinical characteristics of sample and ranking order of ICD and DCPR diagnoses are shown in Tab.1.Mean score of PTGI total of sample was 52.02 (±20.69).SC(4.26±2.94)experience was markedly lower than RO(16.26±8.18),NP(11.25±5.56),PS(10.91±5.33)and AL(9.77±3.72).PS changes were higher in KTRs with adaption ICD diagnosis(p<0.001);while no SC change was found in KTRs with an ICD diagnosis of mood disorders(p<0.01).DCPR diagnosis of alexithymia and Irritability were associated with low RO score(13.74±6.51 and 13.97±6.95,respectively)(p <0.05).AL subscale was positively correlated with ESAS anxiety symptom and ESAS psychological distress sub-score(p<0.05); and negatively with DS-lT loss of meaning and purpose subscale(p<0.05).Women(57.2±23.07)had higher scores of PTGI than men (49.5±19.04)(p <0.05).No significant correlation was found between CPC problems, blood chemistry and socio-demographic characteristics, including months after transplant. Conclusion This study shows that KTRs had moderate-to-high levels of PTG which did not change after KT overtime. Also, lower RO score was associated with DCPR diagnosis of alexithymia, highlighting the potential ability of PTGI to identify KTRs who need psychological support. Further multicentre studies should be conducted to investigate the positive psychological changes after KT.

Growth and the Multiple Dimensions of Well-Being

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Valerie Tiberius
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Philosophical Literature ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Cultural Narrative ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual

What is the possible role of adversity in promoting the development of wisdom and well-being? This chapter focuses on examining psychological discussions of post-traumatic growth and discusses whether and how we would expect suffering, adversity, or trauma to push an individual in positive and negative ways, with an emphasis on multiple dimensions of psychological well-being. The chapter interweaves insights from the philosophical literature to arrive at a better understanding of whether and to what degree post-traumatic growth is likely to occur or if growth following adversity is part of the cultural narrative that does not effectively translate to the individual.

The integral role of relationships in experiences of complex trauma in sex trafficking survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-123
Author(s):  
Heather Evans
Keyword(s):  
Sex Trafficking ◽  
Complex Trauma ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Female Survivors ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual

Purpose Human sex trafficking is a global rights violation prevalent nationally and globally. This study aims to contribute to the limited research conducted directly with survivors with the goal of building sustainable aftercare from their feedback. Design/methodology/approach For this qualitative, retrospective study, 15 adult female survivors completed open-ended interviews, took photos and participated in online focus groups to explore identity, sexuality, relationships and factors of community reintegration. Data analysis included multi-level conceptual and thematic coding. Findings Participants identified with all aspects of complex trauma and domains of post-traumatic growth. Participants highlighted relationship development as the primary source of healing and growth, emphasizing the value of peer-based support and survivor leadership. Research limitations/implications The findings affirm the need for ecological and relational perspectives in care of survivors and approaches using a trauma-informed, victim-centered lens. Findings affirm the value of understanding the nuances of complex trauma as well as celebrating the capacity for post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, while relationships are most significantly impacted from the trafficking experience, they are also considered the greatest instrument of healing, offering long-term commitment and belief in the individual. This research excluded males and international trafficking survivors. Participants were recruited through service organizations, and many participants are active in advocacy work, which may hinder generalizable data for all trafficking survivors. Finally, this study did not distinguish data between geographic location or range or length of time since exiting trafficking. Originality/value This study highlights the voices of survivors throughout research design and data findings. Their lived experiences provide key recommendations for interaction and intervention. Data include rich expression through photography.

POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH IN A PROCESS OF REHABILITATAION

2018 ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Tokhtamysh
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic

This topic is particularly relevant in the context of combat operations in eastern Ukraine against the occupation of the country, where members of the combined forces operation in each day are in a situation threatening the life and risk of getting a military psychological trauma. The article considers the elements and conditions of post-traumatic growth in the context of the rehabilitation process and the social promotion of human development after a traumatic event. The phenomenon of post-traumatic growth can transform the concept of rehabilitation into a term that can be labeled as "proabilitation". The forms of social and rehabilitation support in terms of creating conditions for post-traumatic growth and their effectiveness are explored. The theoretical and applied models with resource elements of the rehabilitation process and post-traumatic growth process are analyzed. It is noted that the traditional model of posttraumatic growth pay attention to the process of rumination and getting control over it and ignores one of the basic symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, such as uncontrolled visual images (flash backs). The two-component concept of post-traumatic growth, which may be «illusory» or «adaptive», can also be presented as a «compensatory» or «healing» type with regard to the presence or absence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after reaching post-traumatic growth. Posttraumatic growth occurs in several domains and can be depending on the type of traumatic event experienced, the individual reactions and the psychological qualities of the person. This process is not such that it automatically eliminates the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, the same, rejecting the need for psychotherapeutic and psychosocial care and focusing only on post-traumatic growth can be a false strategy for those who have experienced a traumatic event. Consequently, the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth can be regarded as a powerful resource factor for the rehabilitation process, in particular, as a motivational component of psychosocial assistance.

“More Than Peer Support: Organizational and Relational Intervention Model”

2020 ◽  
pp. 273-290
Author(s):  
Mario Jose Gonzalez ◽  
Marie Guma ◽  
Bernardo Jose Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Professional Lives ◽  
First Responder ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Organizational Wellness

The chapter describes a replicable and innovative approach designed to assist first responder communities through the mental health challenges they face in their personal and professional lives. The First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP) strives to create a healthy environment, through a unified structure, three tiered organizational and relational intervention approach, inclusive of peer support, peer chaplaincy support, and clinician involvement. The FRAP Model establishes a direct correlation between organizational wellness, and the individual health of its members. It emphasizes a “top to bottom” organizational intervention, with the understanding that no matter how much help is provided to the individual, the environment must be addressed in order to obtain sustainable results. It stresses a “holistic” approach to healing with a focus on post traumatic growth and the systematic building of individual and organizational resilience.

Sexual Assault in Emerging Adulthood

2021 ◽  
pp. 471-490
Author(s):  
Ryan S Ross ◽  
Meredith A. Blackwell ◽  
Kristen N Vitek ◽  
Elizabeth A Yeater
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Sexually Risky ◽  
Assault Victims

Emerging adulthood is a period of increased risk for sexual victimization, with women being at a particularly high risk of experiencing sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for several negative consequences, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use. Social norms and differences in dating expectations among emerging adults may create environments that promote sexual aggression. Alcohol use appears to be a risk factor for victimization among both men and women, as well as a risk factor for men perpetrating sexual violence. Although sexual assault is commonly associated with negative outcomes, research on post-traumatic growth has found that sometimes individuals experience growth following a traumatic event. Prevention programs have traditionally focused on reducing sexual aggressive behavior among men and changing social norms around assault; however, behavioral programs focusing on improving women’s skills to avoid and respond to sexually risky situations have yielded reductions in assault rates.

“More Than Peer Support: Organizational and Relational Intervention Model”

2021 ◽  
pp. 269-286
Author(s):  
Mario Jose Gonzalez ◽  
Marie Guma ◽  
Bernardo Jose Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Professional Lives ◽  
First Responder ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Healthy Environment ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Organizational Wellness

The chapter describes a replicable and innovative approach designed to assist first responder communities through the mental health challenges they face in their personal and professional lives. The First Responder Assistance Program (FRAP) strives to create a healthy environment, through a unified structure, three tiered organizational and relational intervention approach, inclusive of peer support, peer chaplaincy support, and clinician involvement. The FRAP Model establishes a direct correlation between organizational wellness, and the individual health of its members. It emphasizes a “top to bottom” organizational intervention, with the understanding that no matter how much help is provided to the individual, the environment must be addressed in order to obtain sustainable results. It stresses a “holistic” approach to healing with a focus on post traumatic growth and the systematic building of individual and organizational resilience.

scholarly journals Preprint Perceived Characteristics of Life Events - Short-Term Changes in Prosociality and Empathy?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Fassbender ◽  
Peter Haehner ◽  
Susanne Buecker ◽  
Maike Luhmann
Keyword(s):  
Personality Traits ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Personality Development ◽  
Personality Change ◽  
External Control ◽  
Status Change ◽  
Growth Curve Models ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual

Post-traumatic growth can be understood as positive change in desirable personality traits after adverse life events. However, recent research questioned whether adversity is a relevant, necessary, and sufficient condition for change in desirable personality traits. Using five-wave longitudinal data, this study explored changes in the desirable personality traits prosociality and empathy before and after life events. We included all life events participants had experienced between the second and third assessment, that is, adverse, ambiguous, and positive events. Participants rated their life events on the Event Characteristics Questionnaire which assesses the individual perception of life events on nine continuous dimensions: challenge, emotional significance, extraordinariness, external control, impact, valence, social status change, predictability and change in world views. We used multilevel growth curve models to explore changes in prosociality and empathy as a function of these event characteristics. Prosociality and empathy remained stable in the assessment period of six to nine months after the reported life event, independently of whether the event had been perceived as adverse or not. We discuss our findings with respect to the inclusion of positive and ambiguous events as predictors of personality change and with respect to its theoretical implications for post-traumatic growth and personality development more broadly.

scholarly journals La resiliencia como estrategia de afrontamiento ante el estrés postraumático en combatientes

Enfoques ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 97
Author(s):  
Dayana Castillo ◽  
Paola Oyola ◽  
Carlos Enrique Garavito Ariza
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategy ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Traumatic Event ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Factores De Riesgo ◽  
The Face ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

ResumenEl presente artículo presenta una aproximación teórica acerca de los factores de riesgo psicosocial asociados al trastorno de estrés postraumático en combatientes, como también el concepto de resiliencia como estrategia de afrontamiento ante los eventos de estrés postraumático en combatientes activos y las consecuencias en la aparición de depresión, ansiedad y síntomas asociados al estrés. Es así que se encuentra que el estrés desencadenado por un evento traumático se evidencia no solo en lo físico, sino también en lo emocional, afectando todos los contextos en los que se desarrolla el individuo. Para finalizar se presentan estrategias de desarrollo de resiliencia en población afectada por el conflicto armado. Las conclusiones del presente artículo dan cuenta del impacto del estrés postraumático en la población combatiente y la efectividad de la resiliencia como estrategia de afrontamiento. Resilience as a strategy for coping with post-traumatic stress in combatantsAbstractThis article presents a theoretical approach to the psychosocial risk factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in combatants, as well as the concept of resilience as a coping strategy in the face of post-traumatic stress events in active combatants and the consequences in the onset of depression, anxiety and symptoms associated with stress. Thus, it is found that the stress triggered by a traumatic event is evidenced not only in the physical, but also in the emotional, affecting all the contexts in which the individual develops. Finally, resilience development strategies are presented in the population affected by the armed conflict. The conclusions of this article show the impact of post-traumatic stress on the combatant population and the effectiveness of resilience as a coping strategy.  Resiliência como estratégia de enfrentamento do estresse póstraumático em combatentesResumoEste artigo apresenta uma abordagem teórica dos fatores de risco psicossocial associados ao transtorno de estresse pós-traumático em combatentes, bem como o conceito de resiliência como estratégia de enfrentamento frente a eventos de estresse pós-traumático em combatentes ativos e as conseqüências no início de depressão. , ansiedade e sintomas associados ao estresse. Assim, descobriu-se que o estresse desencadeado por um evento traumático é evidenciado não apenas no físico, mas também no emocional, afetando todos os contextos em que o indivíduo se desenvolve. Finalmente, as estratégias de desenvolvimento da resiliência são apresentadas na população afetada pelo conflito armado. As conclusões deste artigo mostram o impacto do estresse pós-traumático na população combatente e a eficácia da resiliência como estratégia de enfrentamento.

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