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No pain,no gain: cross-lagged analyses of posttraumatic growth and anxiety,depression, posttraumatic stress and prolonged grief symptoms after loss |
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| Authors: | Maarten C Eisma Lonneke I M Lenferink Margaret S Stroebe Paul A Boelen Henk A W Schut |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands;2. Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands;3. Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands;4. Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands |
| Abstract: | Background and objectives: Major negative life-events including bereavement can precipitate perceived positive life-changes, termed posttraumatic growth (PTG). While traditionally considered an adaptive phenomenon, it has been suggested that PTG represents a maladaptive coping response similar to cognitive avoidance. To clarify the function of PTG, it is crucial to establish concurrent and longitudinal associations of PTG with post-event mental health problems. Yet, longitudinal studies on this topic are scarce. The present study fills this gap in knowledge. Design: A two-wave longitudinal survey was conducted. Methods: Four-hundred and twelve bereaved adults (87.6% women) filled out scales assessing PTG and symptoms of depression, anxiety, prolonged grief, and posttraumatic stress at baseline and 6 months later. Results: The baseline concurrent relationships between all symptom levels and PTG were curvilinear (inverted U-shape). Cross-lagged analyses demonstrated that symptom levels did not predict levels of PTG 6 months later, or vice versa. Conclusions: Findings suggest PTG after loss has no substantive negative or positive effects on mental health. Development of specific treatments to increase PTG after bereavement therefore appears premature. |
| Keywords: | Posttraumatic growth benefit finding personal growth posttraumatic stress disorder depression complicated grief |