Trauma appraisals and posttraumatic growth among survivors of sexual assault

Trauma survivors often endorse some level of posttraumatic growth (PTG), referring to positive outcomes after trauma related to meaning-making and strengthened perceptions of the self. While extant research points to cognitive processes at the root of PTG, posttrauma cognitions such as shame, fear, and self-blame have thus far only been linked to negative outcomes of trauma exposure. The current study examines the association between posttrauma appraisals and PTG among victims of interpersonal violence. Findings will reveal whether appraisals directed toward the self (shame and self-blame), toward the world (anger and fear), or those directed toward relationships (betrayal and alienation) are most conducive to growth.

A sample of 216 adult women aged 18-64 years were interviewed at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months later as part of a larger study on social reactions received when disclosing sexual assault. As part of the interview battery, they were administered the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and Trauma Appraisal Questionnaire. Posttrauma appraisals were used as time-invariant predictors of PTG (PTGI score) at each of the four time points.

Posttrauma appraisals of betrayal were associated with initial PTG and alienation appraisals predicted increases in PTG over time. However, self-blame and shame did not predict PTG.

Results suggest that a violation to one's views of interpersonal relationships, reflected in experiences of alienation and betrayal posttrauma, may be especially relevant for growth. As PTG reduces distress among trauma victims, this finding suggests targeting maladaptive interpersonal appraisals is an important intervention target. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).