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 .
Post-traumatic growth goes above and beyond resilience. Rather than persevering through challenging circumstances, it represents the capacity to reflect, grow, and truly shift one’s perspective. Surviving a grueling battle with cancer, for example, may lead someone to quit their job and devote their life to the fight against cancer. They may experience a new appreciation for life, commitment to their values, and connection to loved ones.
Psychologists continue to explore and debate post-traumatic growth. Many studies have relied on an individual’s self-reports to assess how they have changed, yet perceived growth and actual growth are not always aligned. (Some studies, however, incorporate interviews with family members to validate the changes.)
How to Cultivate Growth After Trauma
Trauma survivors who want to cultivate growth can strive to process the experience once they have space from it; It’s nearly impossible to evolve in the middle of a crisis, but reflection in its aftermath can provide a foundation for growth. Survivors can explore how the experience changed their mindset, if they appreciate life in a new way, whether their relationships have deepened, or whether they embody a new sense of spirituality
The belief that stress is harmful can create an additional burden of “stress about stress.” But there are ways to change your mindset to leverage the benefits of stress . Pay attention to the opportunities for growth that accompany stress, and choose those situations that have personal value. Reframe how you perceive the stressor, and regulate your physiological response, such as by engaging in breathing exercises.
Many people do not experience an upside to a traumatic experience—and that’s okay. Survivors can work to process the experience and curb its influence on daily life. Effective therapies for PTSD include prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, and medications can address difficult symptoms. New research is beginning to reveal the neurobiological hallmarks that may soon help to prevent and cure PTSD.
Practitioners should take care to meet clients in their current mindset and avoid minimizing their suffering or jumping to practical solutions. But the concepts of post-traumatic growth can gently and gradually be introduced; a therapist can help clients reflect on insights from their experience, for example, discovering that they were stronger than they thought or having changed their priorities in life.
Personal Perspective: What happens when children are expected to suppress their pain and become adults?
Personal Perspective: What happens when children are expected to suppress their pain and become adults?
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is post-traumatic growth?
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.
Is post-traumatic growth a serious condition?
Post-Traumatic Growth exists on a spectrum. While mild forms are a normal part of life, persistent or severe post-traumatic growth can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. It's important to seek professional support if post-traumatic growth is interfering with work, relationships, or wellbeing.
Learn More
Understanding post-traumatic growth is just the beginning. Explore related topics: