Post-Traumatic Growth in Penetrating Trauma Patients Admitted to a Level I Trauma Center

Though post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from violent trauma, another trajectory is possible-post-traumatic growth (PTG). Studies of PTG find correlations with better mental and physical health in addition to less substance abuse.

This study aimed to fill a gap in the literature by determining levels of post-traumatic growth in victims of penetrating trauma.

Study personnel contacted potential subjects by phone, inviting them to complete questionnaires: the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTG-I), the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and a PTSD questionnaire. Demographics and clinical data were reported as descriptive statistics, and multivariate regressions determined relationships between PTG and other outcomes (controlling for sex, age, race, etc.).

The highest mean scores on the PTG-I related to greater appreciation of the value of life (3.92), feeling stronger than expected (3.92), appreciating each day (3.90), and being more likely to change (3.88). The lowest scores related to harmony with the world, expressing emotions, closeness with others, and new opportunities. Those with a positive screen for PTSD had lower PTG scores (Mean 75.7, SD 33.79) compared to those who screened negative for PTSD (Mean 83.03, SD 32.53), p < 0.001.

Recent studies in populations exposed to psychological trauma have found considerable growth trajectories. Our results show a complex interplay between PTSD, PTG, and well-being scores. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity affect these scores. Future research could prospectively assess and teach patients how to cultivate PTG during psychological and physical treatment of violent trauma.