Dispositional Mindfulness,Psychological Distress,and Posttraumatic Growth in Cancer Patients

Cancer has different psychological and physical outcomes. The present study was conducted to examine psychological distress, posttraumatic growth, and dispositional mindfulness in cancer patients. A total of 109 cancer patients entered the research. The Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were used for data collection. The regression analysis revealed that dispositional mindfulness can be a significant predictor of psychological distress and posttraumatic growth in cancer patients. The results also showed that mindfulness is related significantly to psychological outcomes and adaptation in cancer patients and should be further addressed in cancer treatment.     

Posttraumatic Growth Among Australian Farming Women After a Flood

There has been limited research into the impact of disasters on farming women, although it has been suggested that this population can face certain physical, social, and economic disadvantages that affect their recovery. In this study, we explored the impact of the 2010–2011 floods in the state of Victoria in Australia on the lives of six farming women with 20-50+ years of farming experience. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed that the women experienced posttraumatic growth, transitioning from helplessness and emotional distress to acceptance and understanding. Although further research is needed, the findings suggest that engagement in meaningful activity contributed to these women’s recovery after the flood. This knowledge may be used to inform the delivery of services and resources in flood-prone rural areas. Highlights: Three themes emerged from the data (helplessness, adapting to change, and self-discovery); findings can be related to dimensions of posttraumatic growth; and engagement in meaningful activity appeared to facilitate positive change.     

A Comparison of Posttraumatic Growth After Acquired Brain Injury or Myocardial Infarction

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is known to occur following acquired brain injury (ABI). It is not yet known to what extent PTG experiences following ABI are unique to the neurological nature of the injury. We investigated PTG in survivors of ABI or myocardial infarction (MI); MI is comparable to ABI but does not have a primary neurological element. Thirty-three ABI survivors (age M = 51.6, SD = 12.4; 52% male; years since injury M = 5.5, SD = 5.3) and 47 MI survivors (age M = 66.4, SD = 9.9; 79% male, years since injury M = 9.9, SD = 8.6) completed a survey including the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Unadjusted analyses showed no significant group differences on PTGI total score (ABI M = 54.0, SD = 19.6; MI M = 54.6, SD = 23.6; d = .03, p = .902) or on any of the five subscales, but analyses adjusted for covariates showed that scores on “Relating to others” were higher in participants with ABI (unstandardized coefficient = 5.43; 95% CI .27, 10.60; p = .039). Open-ended comments revealed aspects of growth in both samples that were not directly captured by the five PTGI factors.     

Tolerating Distress After Trauma: Differential Associations Between Distress Tolerance and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Distress tolerance has been implicated in disorders of emotional regulation, such as eating disorders and borderline personality disorder; however, much less attention has been given to distress tolerance in the context of posttraumatic stress (PTS). Several conceptual linkages between distress tolerance and PTS exist. Low distress tolerance may increase negative appraisals, reducing an individual’s propensity to deal with distressing mental symptoms immediately after a trauma. Relatedly, a perceived inability to cope with the distress brought on by trauma-related memories and cues may engender maladaptive coping strategies. The few published studies examining the relationship between distress tolerance and PTS have demonstrated that lower distress tolerance was associated with increased PTS symptomatology, including increased avoidance, hyperarousal, and re-experiencing. The current study sought to replicate and extend the emerging empirical base by examining the relationship between distress tolerance and the four distinct PTS symptom clusters, while controlling for time since the index trauma and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that distress tolerance accounted for significant unique variance in re-experiencing and avoidance but not negative emotionality and hyperarousal symptoms. There was also a strong positive association between the number of traumas endorsed by participants, depression, and PTS symptoms. Findings suggest that distress tolerance is associated with PTS, lending further support to the putative relationship between PTS and distress tolerance. Accordingly, developing treatment protocols designed to increase distress tolerance in individuals affected by PTS may reduce symptom severity and increase coping abilities.     

Posttraumatic growth in trauma survivors: Implications for practice

The study of positive sequelae to trauma is increasingly a focus of attention in the trauma research literature. This paper describes the construct of posttraumatic growth, a phenomenon that involves positive changes and benefits gained through coping with traumatic experiences. Variables associated with posttraumatic growth are summarized. Specific interventions for counselling psychology practice are described.     

Psychological Adjustment,Coping, and Emotion Regulation as Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract

The present study examined factors contributing to reported benefits of traumatic experiences or posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a college sample. Specifically, we examined dimensions typically associated with trauma recovery (i.e., psychological functioning, coping, emotion regulation) and features of the trauma (i.e., number and recency of traumatic events, average, and maximal distress). Participants (N= 193) completed standardized questionnaires measuring these constructs. Results indicated that active coping and subjective well-being independently contributed to PTG, but social desirability and symptom distress were independent of growth. These results were consistent with study expectations. Although not specifically predicted, maximal trauma distress also uniquely predicted PTG. Contrary to expectations, effective emotion regulation did not contribute to PTG.     

Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms Predict Posttraumatic Growth: A Longitudinal Study

Although posttraumatic growth (PTG) has received growing attention, the relationship between PTG and distress remains unclear. This longitudinal study examines the relationship between posttraumatic obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms and PTG. Israeli veterans were followed over 17 years using self-report questionnaires of OC symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PTG. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that OC symptoms predicted PTG, even when initial PTG levels and PTSD symptoms were controlled for in the combatants group. These preliminary findings suggest that OC symptoms may play an important role in facilitating psychological growth. Future research is warranted to explore the mechanisms responsible for this relationship.     

Breast Cancer as Trauma: Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been associated with both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG). This cross-sectional study sought to assess the frequency, common predictors, and interrelationships of PTSD symptoms and PTG in breast cancer survivors (n = 65). In this sample, symptoms of PTSD and reports of PTG were common and were not significantly related to one another. Greater social constraints on talking about breast cancer and perception of cancer as a traumatic stressor were associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. Younger age and perception of cancer as a traumatic stressor were associated with greater PTG. Findings suggest the central role of subjective appraisal in adjustment to cancer. Psychosocial interventions should be sensitive to the potential for PTG, both in treatment design and in assessment of outcomes.     

Spirituality and Trauma: The Role of Clergy in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

An increased awareness of the spiritual aspects of health and illness has recently led to changes in psychiatry residency training as well as hospital accreditation requirements. The spiritual impact of trauma has been an area of particular interest, as trauma evokes certain existential questions and crises. It is estimated that from 5–11% of trauma survivors will go on to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Given the spiritual challenges of the experience of trauma, patients with PTSD could benefit from spiritual assessment and intervention as part of their overall treatment plan, and clergy can be utilized to perform this. The literature exploring the spiritual impact of trauma and the use of clergy in the treatment of trauma survivors is reviewed. The methods used by three chaplains in a residential treatment program for PTSD at one facility are described and discussed. Both the literature and the experiences of the clergy suggest that exploration of trauma-related existential conflicts in patients with PTSD is beneficial. However, there is a notable dearth of controlled scientific studies evaluating the effectiveness of spiritual interventions with this treatment population. The need for controlled studies to verify the usefulness of spiritual assessment and intervention in patients with PTSD is noted, and a more rigorous analysis of how clergy can best serve this treatment population is encouraged.     

Emotional Constriction and Risk for Posttraumatic Stress: The Roles of Trauma History and Gender

Research suggests there are qualitative differences in emotionality across gender, with men being more emotionally constrictive than women. Constrictive emotionality has consistently been linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and because men are generally more emotionally constrictive, one could infer they are at increased risk for PTSD. However, research demonstrates that twice as many women are diagnosed with PTSD than men. In an undergraduate sample, men reported significantly greater emotional constriction, but significantly less posttraumatic stress severity in comparison to women. The gender differences in emotional constriction disappeared in a subsample of students who endorsed experiencing an upsetting event. Emotional constriction mediated the relationship between trauma and posttraumatic stress severity, although it was a stronger mediator for women than men.     

乳腺癌患者“创伤后成长”的研究进展

近年来,乳腺癌的发病率不断上升,乳腺癌已逐渐成为危害女性健康的首位恶性肿瘤。手术给患者的身心带来很大伤害,但研究者发现,在与乳腺癌这一疾病做斗争的过程中患者会产生一种正向的心理变化,这就是积极心理学领域研究的创伤后成长。本文从创伤后成长内涵、国内外研究现状、测量工具、影响因素、干预方法等几方面对乳腺癌创伤后成长研究现状进行文献综述,为乳腺癌患者心理护理提供依据。     

Posttraumatic Growth in the Context of Heart Disease

The concept of positive consequences arising as a result of coping with traumatic experiences, such as life-threatening illness, represents an emerging area of empirical study in the stress and health literature. This study investigates three specific psychosocial variables (personality, social support, and coping) in relation to posttraumatic growth in a population of individuals coping with heart disease. The results indicate that Extraversion was the most significant predictor of growth, and there is evidence that Problem-Focused Coping partially mediated this relationship between Extraversion and posttraumatic growth. The role of Social Support Satisfaction in predicting growth remains unclear. Findings emphasize the importance of personal and environmental factors in psychological interventions aimed at improving the adjustment and posttraumatic growth of heart patients. Directions for future research are proposed.     

Judeo-Christian Clergy and Personal Crisis: Religion,Posttraumatic Growth and Well Being

This study investigated the psychological impact of personal traumatic events in a sample of 30 Judeo-Christian clergy. Use of religion-based coping strategies following a difficult life event was expected to facilitate posttraumatic growth, and posttraumatic growth was, in turn, expected to result in greater current well being. Both predictions were supported. In addition, higher levels of rumination soon after the event were associated with greater posttraumatic growth. The results indicated that clergy benefited from both positive and negative styles of religious coping, and that posttraumatic growth was not associated with greater well being for this sample. Deborah Proffitt, M.A., is in private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. Arnie Cann, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A social psychologist, he is involved in research on posttraumatic growth and interpersonal relationships. Lawrence G. Calhoun, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A clinical psychologist, he has studied posttraumatic growth and responses to crises. Richard G. Tedeschi, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A clinical psychologist, he has studied posttraumatic growth and bereavement issues.     

Individual and Collective Posttraumatic Growth in Victims of Natural Disasters: A Multidimensional Perspective

This study set out to incorporate the collective dimensions of posttraumatic growth and examined the construct and predictive validity of The Individual and Collective Posttraumatic Growth Scale (ICPTGS). Participants were 332 volunteers who had experienced the earthquake on February 27, 2010, in Chile. Analysis allowed us to confirm a multidimensional structure composed of four dimensions: individual, spiritual, communal growth, and societal growth. Additionally, we identified association among ICPTGS, perceived emotional impact, and social well-being. This study emphasizes that positive changes resulting from the exposure to collective disasters can be perceived also at the collective or community level.     

Psychoeducational Intervention Program about Posttraumatic Growth for Japanese High School Students

This study evaluates the effect of a psychoeducational intervention about posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Japanese adolescents. Study 1 examined whether those who learned about changes related to stress would report higher growth than those who did not. Study 2 examined whether those who learned about PTG perceived more growth than those who learned about negative changes or those who did not learn about potential changes. Findings from both studies indicated that PTG was higher in those who received the intervention program than those who did not. These studies demonstrate the potential effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention program in fostering adolescents’ perceptions and understanding of their personal growth following stressful experiences. Implications are that the knowledge about not only stress reactions or coping but the possibility of PTG can be integrated into the health education.     

The Phenomenology of Posttraumatic Distress in Older Adult Holocaust Survivors

This paper focuses on the effects of the Holocaust on its survivors more than 55 years after the end of World War II. The emphasis is on survivors who were either adults during the Holocaust and who are now over the age of 70, or survivors who were children during the Holocaust and whose age is now between 56 and 70. The central question was: What kinds of posttraumatic phenomena are seen in older adult survivors? After an overview of the field, the situation of survivors in Israel is presented in 2 ways. Results of a survey of survivors who were referred to Amcha, the National Israeli Center for Psychosocial Support of Survivors of the Holocaust, is provided to give some insight in a clinical population. In addition, 2 case histories of survivors are presented to give a more in-depth perspective. The gap between the data from the questionnaires and the clinical material has relevance for the way in which we conceptualize the late consequences of massive trauma.     

A Study of Posttraumatic Stress in a Student Population

The authors examined the incidence of posttraumatic stress (PTS), with respect to levels of exposure to traumatic events, in a British student population. Respondents (N = 700) completed a standard questionnaire booklet that contained a posttraumatic stress disorder interview. The questionnaire collected personal demographic information and was used by researchers to ascertain whether respondents had experienced a traumatic event. Consistent with previous American studies, PTS was found to be relatively common; 23.3% of the sample showed either current or past PTS. Female participants had a significantly higher incidence of PTS than did male participants, although the latter were more likely to report having experienced a traumatic event. The experience of trauma was significantly associated with the likelihood of PTS. The authors discuss implications of their results in terms of long-term consequences of unresolved trauma.     

The Relationship Between Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth and Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Health Professionals

Limited and inconsistent research exists regarding the relationship between vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG), which is positive psychological growth experienced as a result of vicarious traumatic exposure, and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS). The current study aimed to investigate whether a curvilinear model explained the VPTG-STS relationship among a sample of 365 nurses, psychologists, counselors, social workers, and medical doctors. Results supported this hypothesis, however this result appeared to largely be governed by the curvilinear relationship found among psychologists; STS was not found to predict VPTG among any other profession. Implications of results are discussed.     

PTSD Severity and Cognitive Reactions to Trauma Among a College Sample

ABSTRACT

Two hundred twenty-one undergraduate education students were assessed to determine trauma history and cognitive responses to traumatic events. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Cognitive Distortions Scale, and the PTSD Symptom Scale (for those reporting a trauma history). The most common types of traumatic events were domestic violence, natural disasters, and severe transportation accidents. Differences in cognitive distortions of individuals with and without a trauma history also were assessed. Individuals with a trauma history were significantly higher on Preoccupation with Danger and Self-Blame subscales. Number of previous traumatic events and the subscale of Preoccupation of Danger significantly predicted PTSD severity.