Post- Traumatic Growth is the positive psychological change that some individuals experience after a life crisis or traumatic event. Post-traumatic growth doesn’t deny deep distress, but rather posits that adversity can unintentionally yield changes in understanding oneself, others, and the world. Post-traumatic growth can, in fact, co-exist with post-traumatic stress disorder.
What Is Post-Traumatic Growth? (Plain Language Explanation)
Post-Traumatic Growth refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Post-Traumatic Growth
- Symptoms: The specific ways post-traumatic growth shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen post-traumatic growth
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When post-traumatic growth occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Post-Traumatic Growth
- Post-Traumatic Growth is far more common than most people realize
- Post-Traumatic Growth is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with post-traumatic growth see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about post-traumatic growth is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing post-traumatic growth, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.