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Posttraumatic growth in bereaved parents.
Sean M Engelkemeyer1, Samuel J Marwit
1Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA. sme257@studentmail.umsl.edu
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|June 17, 2008
Summary
Bereaved parents often experience posttraumatic growth (PTG), measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Higher self-worth predicted growth, while intense grief was inversely related, suggesting resilience factors in parental bereavement.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Bereavement Studies
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Parental bereavement presents unique challenges to psychological well-being.
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a potential positive outcome following traumatic life events.
- Understanding factors influencing PTG in bereaved parents is crucial for support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic growth in bereaved parents.
- To examine the relationship between grief intensity, self-worth, and world assumptions with PTG.
Main Methods:
- 111 bereaved parents completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Revised Grief Experience Inventory, and World Assumptions Scale.
- Correlational analyses were used to assess relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Many bereaved parents reported significant personal growth, as measured by the PTGI.
- Grief intensity showed a negative correlation with PTG scores.
- Self-worth emerged as a significant positive predictor of PTG.
Conclusions:
- Parental bereavement can be associated with posttraumatic growth.
- Self-worth is a key factor in facilitating growth after loss.
- World assumptions did not significantly predict growth in this cohort.
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