Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
09:39
The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress
Published on: October 19, 2011
58.1K
When acute adversity improves psychological health: A social-contextual framework
1Pace University.
Psychological Review
|February 15, 2019
Summary
Some individuals experience psychological improvement after acute adversity, termed psychosocial gains from adversity (PGA). This research explores conditions and factors influencing these positive outcomes following challenging life events.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Science
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Human responses to acute adversity vary, commonly manifesting as distress or resilience.
- Traditional research overlooks potential positive psychological changes post-adversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce and define psychosocial gains from adversity (PGA).
- Distinguish PGA from existing post-adversity growth theories.
- Review empirical evidence and propose a theoretical model for PGA.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis distinguishing PGA from traditional growth perspectives.
- Review of empirical studies on PGA across various adversities (bereavement, military deployment, mass trauma).
- Development of a multilevel theoretical model for PGA.
Main Results:
- PGA represents a reliable pattern of favorable psychological change post-adversity.
- Evidence supports PGA across diverse traumatic experiences.
- A multilevel model highlights prosocial behaviors and group factors in PGA.
Conclusions:
- PGA offers a novel framework for understanding post-adversity psychological functioning.
- Further research is needed to explore moderators and boundary conditions of PGA.
- Understanding PGA has significant implications for theory and practice in trauma recovery.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:09Defining Social Psychology
427
Social psychology investigates how the presence and actions of others influence individual behavior, cognition, and emotion. Examining the social environment's impact provides a scientific framework for understanding how individuals perceive others and are, in turn, influenced by them. This field seeks to uncover the underlying principles guiding social interactions, exploring phenomena such as conformity, obedience, and prosocial behavior.Core Themes in Social PsychologyOne central focus of...
427
01:29Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
305
Social psychology examines how group dynamics, emotions, and cultural influences shape individual actions and decision-making. These elements interact to form behavioral patterns that affect personal choices and social interactions.The Role of Group DynamicsGroups play a crucial role in shaping behavior by reinforcing norms and expectations. Individuals derive a sense of self from group membership, often aligning their behaviors with group norms to maintain social cohesion. For example, an...
305
01:30Scientific Nature of Social Psychology
563
Social psychology is a scientific discipline dedicated to understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts. Unlike common sense, which relies on anecdotal experiences and intuition, social psychology employs systematic research and empirical methods to ensure objectivity and reliability. This distinction is fundamental in distinguishing scientifically supported findings from mere speculation.Four fundamental scientific values guide a structured approach to research in...
563
02:06Social Exchange Theory
40.8K
We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
40.8K
01:41Social Traps
26.9K
Social traps are negative situations where people get caught in a direction or relationship that later proves to be unpleasant, with no easy way to back out of or avoid. The concept was orignally introduced by John Platt who applied psychology to Garrett Hardin's "Tragedy of the Commons", where in New England herd owners could let their cattle graze in the common ground. This situation seems like a good idea, but an individual could have an advantage. If they owned...
26.9K
00:52Social Proof
32.3K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
32.3K