Post-Traumatic Growth or Victim
The music video “Hero” by Music Travel Love beautifully illustrates the concept of post-traumatic growth, capturing the emotional journey of individuals overcoming adversity. With its powerful themes of resilience and hope, the video reflects how facing challenges can lead to profound personal transformation, deeper relationships, and a renewed appreciation for life. Through its inspiring visuals and uplifting message, “Hero” serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, growth and healing are possible.
Background
For 30 years, I served as a uniformed officer in the United States Public Health Service. My active duty career was as a principal investigator at the US National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program. My research team focused on the rare women’s hormonal health disorder known as Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Early in our research, we learned that the most common terms women used to describe their feelings upon diagnosis were “devastated,” “shocked,” and “confused.” As a result, we established collaboration with a team of positive psychologists at Arizona State University. We observed a few women who gained strength from the disorder and many who continued to struggle to find emotional peace—some experienced post-traumatic growth.
Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive psychological changes that some individuals experience when they struggle to cope with highly challenging life circumstances, such as trauma or adversity. This growth can manifest in various ways, including a renewed appreciation for life, deeper personal relationships, increased resilience, and greater personal strength.
Research on post-traumatic growth shows that after experiencing trauma, some individuals report significant positive changes in their lives. Although it may seem surprising that people can grow from difficult experiences, studies consistently reveal several key factors contributing to this phenomenon.
Firstly, the struggle to process and make sense of a traumatic event often leads individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and values. This effort can result in a greater appreciation for life, making one more aware of the fragility of existence and the significance of relationships and meaningful experiences. Many individuals who experience post-traumatic growth report improved connections with family and friends, reflecting changes in how they perceive social support and community.
Additionally, post-traumatic growth fosters an increased sense of personal strength. People often discover resilience they were previously unaware of, empowering them to confront future challenges more confidently. This newfound strength can cultivate a belief in one’s ability to overcome adversity and emerge even more self-assured.
Another critical factor in post-traumatic growth is the role of self-reflection. Engaging in reflective practices, such as journaling or therapy, helps individuals process their trauma and integrate it into their life stories. Those who actively seek to understand their experiences and explore their emotions are more likely to experience growth following trauma.
Furthermore, results indicate that supportive relationships can significantly enhance the likelihood of post-traumatic growth. When individuals have access to empathetic friends, family, or support groups, they often feel more validated and understood, which can facilitate their healing and growth processes. In summary, while experiencing trauma is undoubtedly challenging, individuals may also report positive changes in their lives as a result. Factors such as self-reflection, social support, and a shift in priorities play crucial roles in fostering post-traumatic growth. Understanding these dynamics can provide hope and encouragement for those navigating the problematic healing journey after traumatic experiences.
Recent Research
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered daily life, compelling individuals to adjust to new routines while confronting fear and uncertainty. In Peru, the high death toll from the virus heightened this fear, resulting in widespread distress. A recent study aimed to explore how this fear affected one’s mental health, concentrating on the concepts of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and post-traumatic symptoms (PTS). The research involved 361 Peruvian adults during the pandemic’s first year. It explored how the fear of COVID-19, along with the satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs- such as autonomy and competence impacted PTG and PTS.
Interestingly, while the fear of COVID-19 may positively influence PTG, the results revealed that meeting basic psychological needs was essential for fostering this growth. Individuals were more likely to experience positive psychological outcomes when these needs were met. Conversely, when their needs went unmet, this led to detrimental effects, such as increased symptoms of post-traumatic stress distress.
Moreover, the study identified gender differences in experiences of fear, PTG, and PTS. Women reported higher levels of anxiety and distress. However, they also demonstrated a greater tendency for self-reflection and adherence to health guidelines, which may have helped them discover meaning and growth during lockdown periods.
In summary, while the study found fear of COVID-19 affected mental health in various ways, the fulfillment of basic psychological needs emerged as a significant factor in promoting resilience and post-traumatic growth. Understanding these dynamics can help develop strategies to support mental well-being during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of need satisfaction in achieving positive psychological outcomes amidst fear and distress. Further research can investigate these findings in diverse contexts and populations.
Assure Your Psychological Needs Are Met
Self-Reflection: Engaging in reflective practices such as journaling or therapy helps women process their trauma and integrate their experiences into their life narratives.
Social Support: Having access to empathetic friends, family, or support groups enhances feelings of validation and understanding, which aids in healing and promotes growth.
Re-evaluation of Priorities: The struggle to cope with trauma often leads women to reassess their values and priorities, fostering a greater appreciation for life and meaningful relationships.
Discovery of Resilience: Many women uncover personal strength and resilience they were unaware of, empowering them to face future challenges with increased confidence.
Positive Relationships: Nurturing deeper connections with loved ones can facilitate emotional healing and create a supportive environment for growth.
Meaning-Making: Actively seeking to understand and make sense of the traumatic experience can lead to personal insight and growth, helping women find meaning in their struggles.
Being Mindful with Acceptance: A mindful practice may help women accept their experiences, enhance emotional regulation, and foster a sense of peace.
Goal Setting: Setting new, achievable goals after trauma can motivate women to move forward and provide a sense of purpose and direction in their recovery journey.
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