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

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.

Author(s):  
Gloria Luong ◽  
J. Doug Coatsworth ◽  
Sy-Miin Chow

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Battaglia ◽  
Luigi Zerbinati ◽  
Michele Provenzano ◽  
Pasquale Esposito ◽  
Michele Andreucci ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Valerie Tiberius

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-123
Author(s):  
Heather Evans

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.


Author(s):  
O. Tokhtamysh

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S568-S568
Author(s):  
I. Rozentsvit

The purpose of this symposium is to bring awareness about and to promote knowledge of the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its neurobiological mechanisms. The other purpose is to explore neuro-psycho-education as an important tool in understanding trauma and in promoting PTG.The idea of PTG was pioneered by Calhoun and Tedeschi (1999), who addressed positive psychological change (as they compared it with the “mind's wisdom”), which occurs in some individuals after trauma. PTG happens in the context of and despite of processing traumatic pain and loss. This phenomenon includes five main factors: relating to others with greater compassion; finding new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and a deeper appreciation of life.Both neuropsychoanalysis and neuro-psycho-education offer us the knowledge of neurobiology and its mechanisms of “action” (such as neuroplasticity, neurointegration, mind-body integration, connectomes, ‘triune brain’, ‘bottom up processing’ and ‘top-down regulation’, etc.) and help modern mental health practitioners to understand their clients from “inside out”: to read the cues of their underlying (and not verbalized) patterns of being; to access their undisclosed, untold, emotional-relational history; to understand how this history shapes the present; to appreciate one's unique personal growth, even in the aftermath of trauma, and to understand mindfulness and mentalization as two powerful healing processes which play significant role in PTG.Both neuropsychoanalysis and neuro-psycho-education also help clinicians to be in touch with and to regulate our own emotions and somatic responses to a “difficult client”, while maintaining “benevolent curiosity” and empathic stance.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-74
Author(s):  
Eka Susanty ◽  
Setyono Koesno ◽  
Candra Yudhistira ◽  
Lulu Lusianti ◽  
Suprijanto Suprijanto

EMDR therapy is designed to reduce distress related traumatic event. PTSD prevalence is large enough in Indonesia. It was caused by many natural disasters that happened in several area of Indonesia. However, the application of EMDR for reducing PTSD symptoms was still rare. The objective of this study was to examine the intervention of EMDR therapy in handling PTSD respondents and using a one group pretest-posttest design. There were nine PTSD respondents involved during treatment. EMDR treatments were conducted in four repetitive sessions. Each session was completed in 60-90 minutes. Data was taken using PSS (PTSD Symptom Scale) and tested with Wilcoxon statistical analysis. The statistic test showed (Z = - 2.668; p = .05) with Asymp. Sig. =.008. Descriptive data showed that mean scores before and after therapy are 30.88 and 15.77 respectively. This research concluded that EMDR therapy can work to decrease PTSD symptoms.


Author(s):  
Mario Jose Gonzalez ◽  
Marie Guma ◽  
Bernardo Jose Gonzalez

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 471-490
Author(s):  
Ryan S Ross ◽  
Meredith A. Blackwell ◽  
Kristen N Vitek ◽  
Elizabeth A Yeater

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.


Author(s):  
Mario Jose Gonzalez ◽  
Marie Guma ◽  
Bernardo Jose Gonzalez

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.


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