Posttraumatic growth: why do people grow from their trauma?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Coping Mechanisms

Background:

• Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is often reported after experiencing trauma.
• The underlying mechanisms and authenticity of PTG require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between recalling traumatic events and reported posttraumatic growth (PTG).
• To explore the role of coping strategies and death-related thoughts in mediating the effects of trauma recall on PTG.

Main Methods:

• Two experimental studies were conducted comparing participants recalling highly traumatic events versus lesser traumatic (stressful) events.
• Data collected included self-reported PTG, death-related thoughts, and coping styles (emotion-focused vs. problem-focused).
• Mediation analyses were performed to examine the pathways to PTG.

Main Results:

• Participants recalling traumatic events reported greater PTG compared to those recalling stressful events.
• Trauma recall was associated with increased death-related thoughts and more emotion-focused coping.
• Emphasizing the positive (a facet of emotion-focused coping) mediated the effect of trauma recall on PTG.

Conclusions:

• The reported posttraumatic growth (PTG) following trauma recall may stem from an illusionary process, specifically emphasizing the positive aspects.
• The findings suggest that genuine PTG was not evidenced, and terror management theory was not supported.
• Emotion-focused coping, particularly emphasizing the positive, appears central to the perceived growth after trauma.