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Published on: December 15, 2023
Understanding the relationship between traumatic suffering, posttraumatic growth, and prosocial variables
Renée El-Gabalawy1,2,3,4, Corey S Mackenzie1, Katherine B Starzyk1
1Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is linked to moderately distressing events, positive emotions, and prosocial actions. Understanding these factors clarifies PTG theory and conflicting research findings.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) theory explores positive psychological changes following adversity.
- Understanding the nuances of PTG, including event characteristics and individual differences, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of index events, the suffering-PTG relationship, and prosocial correlates of PTG.
- To clarify conflicting evidence in existing PTG literature.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 253 undergraduate students.
- Participants completed measures of PTG, trauma-related variables, psychopathology/affect, and prosocial correlates.
Main Results:
- Greater PTG was observed in individuals experiencing trauma compared to stressors.
- PTG correlated with trauma-related, psychopathology/affect (e.g., anxiety, positive affect), and prosocial variables (e.g., empathy, volunteerism).
- Moderate distress chronicity and current emotional distress were associated with the highest PTG.
Conclusions:
- Factors associated with posttraumatic growth include moderately distressing trauma, positive affect, and prosocial behavior.
- Findings clarify PTG theory and reconcile discrepancies in prior research.
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