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.
The Science on Post-Traumatic Growth
The phenomenon was identified by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun in the 1990s. Based on their research , the pair described five categories of growth that occur over time: Survivors of trauma recognize and embrace new opportunities. They forge stronger relationships with loved ones as well as with victims who suffered in the same way. They cultivate inner strength through the knowledge that they have overcome tremendous hardship. They gain a deeper appreciation for life. And their relationship to religion and spirituality changes and evolves.
Life crises are seismic events. They have the power to shake entrenched beliefs that we hold and force us to think in completely new ways about ourselves, our relationships, and the world. Confronting a traumatic event and trying to make sense of it can therefore lead to powerful shifts in thinking.
Not everyone who suffers trauma experiences post-traumatic growth, but for those who do, the changes can be lifelong. Although the exact number is unknown, researchers estimate that half to two-thirds of trauma survivors may experience post-traumatic growth.
Certain characteristics make the outcome of post-traumatic growth more likely: Those who experience it are more likely to be women, adults at the time of the trauma, and embody the personality traits of openness to experience and extraversion .
Explore More About Post-Traumatic Growth
For a comprehensive understanding of post-traumatic growth, read our complete guide: