Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the positive psychological transformation that people experience after facing highly stressful events. Trauma can lead to emotional wounds that may persist for years, and in some cases, a lifetime. However, people who face adversity can also turn those challenges into opportunities for growth and lead meaningful lives. Psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun introduced the concept of post-traumatic growth in the mid-1990s after observing various trauma survivors who displayed improved outlooks on life, stronger and richer relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996, 2006).
PTG is often confused with resilience, but the two concepts are qualitatively different. Resilience is the ability to bounce back to previous levels of adaptation after experiencing trauma, while PTG is positive transformation that leads to the adoption of a new worldview and meaningful change. Notably, PTG is not a guarantee and several factors may predispose some people to positive transformation. One such factor is age. Children under eight years are less likely to experience PTG due to their limited cognitive capacity, while late adolescents and adults are more likely to experience this psychological change, since they are more open to adopting new world views or improving existing ones (Collier, 2016). Women are also more likely to experience greater growth compared to men, but the difference in outcomes is small (Collier, 2016). In terms of measuring PTG, the theory’s proponents developed an assessment tool called the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) that evaluates five core areas of PTG, including appreciation for life, improved relationships, new possibilities, personal strength, and spiritual change (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996).
Improved relationships are a sign of positive psychological transformation and characterized by the development of deeper and more meaningful connections with others (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996, 2006). For example, bonds may be strengthened with those who provided support during the crisis or there can be a heightened attunement to the suffering of others. PTG also influences a re-examination of one’s belief systems, which can lead to spiritual growth, including a desire for a deeper connection to a higher power. Recognizing the temporary nature of life heightens awareness of the present and can foster an interest in existential concerns, including how to live life and relate to others (Collier, 2016). Personal growth is also manifested through personal strength or a greater sense of agency and belief that one has the necessary skills to survive a crisis. Confident that future challenges can be successfully met also inspires an openness to new possibilities and opportunities for growth.
It’s important to understand that PTG is a continuous process, and that growth can coexist with post-traumatic effects. It is normal for trauma survivors to experience negative emotions, including grief and anxiety, even though transformation is taking place. PTG, therefore, does not erase emotional distress, but can strengthen one’s ability to cope with traumatic effects and develop a positive narrative. Finally, there is no timeline for PTG. Some survivors can experience growth within the first year of a crisis, while others may require longer periods to reflect on the trauma and rebuild their belief systems and lives.
References
Collier, L. (2016, November). Growth after trauma: Why are some people more resilient than others — and can it be taught? American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/11/growth-trauma
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (1996). The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(3), 455–471. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.2490090305
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1501_01
