The focus of this literature review is to understand PTG correlations with trauma and factors that facilitate PTG. Also, the history of PTG assessment tools and the validity of their measurement are discussed, although a possible weakness in this area of study. Then, a description of treatment approaches to utilize PTG with clients.
Posttraumatic Growth Correlations with Trauma Posttraumatic growth occurs and is only possible through experiencing and/or witnessing significant trauma. Numerous studies show a positive correlation between trauma and PTG, in conjunction with PTG being “related to fewer mental health problems, lower levels of depression and suicidality, and higher levels of positivity in a variety of trauma survivors” (Joseph, 2011, p. 89). Studies have found the level of trauma affects the possibility and level of PTG. Research also indicates that the higher the perceived threat as a result of a traumatic event, the higher the likelihood ones has of experiencing PTG. Chan, Young and Sharif (2016), found a positive correlation between …show more content…
246) of PTG. In this study, ex-POWs reported a high correlation between PTG and PTSD with variables of “high levels of loss of control and suffering in captivity and self-controllability” (Dekel, Mandi & Solomon, 2011, p. 246). The study concluded that PTG and PTSD possibly both contain an engine that drives trauma response in two different directions. “The experience of loss of control shatters world assumptions yet eventually turns into self-control, thus giving rise to PTG. In contrast, the same peritraumatic experience, resulting in shattered assumptions, without turning into self- control, gives rise to PTSD” (Dekel, Mandi & Solomon, 2011, p. 249). As posttraumatic growth is maintained and expands posttraumatic stress is reduced (Joseph, 2011, p. 87), equating to overall better mental
Posttraumatic Growth Correlations with Trauma Posttraumatic growth occurs and is only possible through experiencing and/or witnessing significant trauma. Numerous studies show a positive correlation between trauma and PTG, in conjunction with PTG being “related to fewer mental health problems, lower levels of depression and suicidality, and higher levels of positivity in a variety of trauma survivors” (Joseph, 2011, p. 89). Studies have found the level of trauma affects the possibility and level of PTG. Research also indicates that the higher the perceived threat as a result of a traumatic event, the higher the likelihood ones has of experiencing PTG. Chan, Young and Sharif (2016), found a positive correlation between …show more content…
246) of PTG. In this study, ex-POWs reported a high correlation between PTG and PTSD with variables of “high levels of loss of control and suffering in captivity and self-controllability” (Dekel, Mandi & Solomon, 2011, p. 246). The study concluded that PTG and PTSD possibly both contain an engine that drives trauma response in two different directions. “The experience of loss of control shatters world assumptions yet eventually turns into self-control, thus giving rise to PTG. In contrast, the same peritraumatic experience, resulting in shattered assumptions, without turning into self- control, gives rise to PTSD” (Dekel, Mandi & Solomon, 2011, p. 249). As posttraumatic growth is maintained and expands posttraumatic stress is reduced (Joseph, 2011, p. 87), equating to overall better mental