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Psychosocial interventions and posttraumatic growth: a meta-analysis
1Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|May 21, 2014
Summary
Psychosocial interventions modestly increase posttraumatic growth (PTG) in individuals who have experienced adversity. While not specifically designed for PTG, these active interventions show a positive effect, aiding recovery and growth after trauma.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Intervention Science
Background:
- Individuals often report personal growth following adversity.
- The potential for psychosocial interventions to foster posttraumatic growth (PTG) remains an area of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the relationship between participation in psychosocial interventions and the facilitation of posttraumatic growth (PTG).
- To assess whether existing interventions, not primarily designed for PTG, can influence its development.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (N=1,171) involving individuals who experienced trauma or hardship.
- Inclusion of published and unpublished studies identified through the PsycINFO database.
- Focus on interventions not specifically designed to promote PTG as a primary outcome.
Main Results:
- A modest, statistically significant overall controlled effect size (Hedges's g = 0.36) indicating that interventions increase PTG.
- Interventions administered with a shorter time between treatment and posttest showed larger effect sizes.
- Limited understanding of specific factors that enhance intervention effects on PTG.
Conclusions:
- Current psychosocial interventions appear to modestly facilitate posttraumatic growth (PTG).
- Active intervention may help individuals maximize benefits from adversity.
- Further research is needed due to the limited number of studies and intervention variability.