[A Structural Equation Model for Posttraumatic Growth among Cured Patients with COVID-19]

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• COVID-19 survivors may experience psychological distress and seek pathways to posttraumatic growth.
• Existing models of posttraumatic growth require adaptation to the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Understanding factors influencing posttraumatic growth is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Approach:

• A modified posttraumatic growth model was developed based on Calhoun and Tedeschi's framework and literature review.
• Data were collected from 223 COVID-19 survivors using online questionnaires.
• Validated scales assessed event-related distress, resilience, distress disclosure, social support, rumination, and posttraumatic growth.

Key Points:

• The developed model demonstrated good fit indices, indicating its validity.
• Distress perception, self-disclosure, and deliberate rumination significantly explained 70% of posttraumatic growth in COVID-19 survivors.
• Resilience and social support were not direct predictors in this model but are important contextual factors.

Conclusions:

• Developing targeted disaster psychology programs is essential for fostering posttraumatic growth in COVID-19 survivors.
• Interventions should focus on activating deliberate rumination and facilitating self-disclosure.
• This research provides foundational data for creating programs to enhance psychological resilience and growth after pandemics.