Posttraumatic growth associated with a relative's serious illness
Kristin A Loiselle1, Katie A Devine, Bonney Reed-Knight
1Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Psychology Building,Athens, GA 30602, USA. loiselle@uga.edu
Summary
Young adults experiencing a relative's serious illness may achieve posttraumatic growth (PTG). PTG correlates with anxiety, stress symptoms, and active coping, regardless of personal illness history.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is psychological development following trauma.
- Tedeschi and Calhoun's cognitive model provides a framework for understanding PTG.
- Illness-related trauma in families is a significant stressor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine factors associated with PTG in young adults with a relative experiencing serious illness.
- To evaluate the relationship between individual, distress, and stress-processing factors and PTG.
- To compare PTG development factors between those with a relative's illness and those who were ill themselves.
Main Methods:
- Sixty young adults with a relative experiencing serious illness participated.
- Measures included PTG, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), anxiety, and coping strategies.
- A correlational design was employed to analyze relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- PTG showed positive associations with trait anxiety, PTSS, and active, problem-focused coping.
- Factors linked to PTG in this sample mirrored those in individuals who experienced personal serious illness.
- The relative's illness status (resolved vs. unresolved) moderated the PTSS-PTG relationship.
Conclusions:
- Individual distress and coping mechanisms are key in developing PTG following a relative's serious illness.
- The findings suggest similar pathways to PTG whether the trauma is experienced directly or indirectly through a family member's illness.
- Illness resolution status is an important contextual factor influencing the interplay between stress and growth.
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