Introduction to Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)

1. POSTTRAUMATIC
GROWTH:
FROM SURVIVING
TO THRIVING
Laura Kearney
Advanced Project Artifact
Friday, April 20, 2012

2. WHAT IS
POSTTRAUMATIC
GROWTH (PTG)?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Trauma is defined as any deeply disturbing,
emotionally distressing or challenging life event.
At some point in all of our lifetimes, we will Some examples of trauma are:
experience trauma. This adversity can cause
• divorce • loss of a loved one
extreme psychological distress, and push us
• job loss • violent or abusive crime
beyond our limits. In these times, it is natural • retirement • chronic or acute illness
• combat • accident or injury
to feel confusion, anger and fear, in addition to • disaster • change in family responsibility
questioning ourselves, others and our place in • financial hardship • career or location change
the world. What many people do not know
Tremendous personal growth, learning and other benefits can
though, is that suffering is not the only result of emerge during the aftermath of these traumas, when survivors are
adversity. When we survive personal crises, struggling to reconstruct their lives, and accept their new realities.
Strengthened by the experience of personal transformation and
significant positive consequences and growth
crediting their crisis as the catalyst for a more meaningful life, some
may also emerge. This is called Posttraumatic survivors even refer to their hardship as a blessing in disguise.
Growth (PTG).

3. THE
DIFFERENCE: Areas of Growth and
Contributing Factors to PTG
PTSD VS PTG So what should you look for? The main areas of growth reported
in PTG are in Relating to Others, New Possibilities, Personal
Strength, Spiritual Change and Appreciation of Life. At a time
when very little may feel in your control, there are measures you
PTG may be new to you, but most people are can take to support yourself, and increase your ability to
experience PTG.
already familiar with the term Post-traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a term used for survivors
Disclosure
who experience negative effects of trauma that are
lasting and intense. It is an anxiety disorder that RESEARCH HAS Reaching out to others, and journaling
Religious Coping
some people develop, usually after seeing or living IDENTIFIED THE Seeking support through prayer and
through a dangerous event. Many people religious faith
mistakenly assume that PTSD is inevitable and the
FOLLOWING AS Rumination + Reflection
only result of trauma, but it is not. CONTRIBUTING Contemplation to make meaning of the event
Spiritual Coping
FACTORS TO Meditation and connection to a higher presence
PTG is the flip side of PTSD. Not everyone
experiences PTG, but the latest research shows PTG: Emotion-focused Coping
Remaining positive, seeking meaning and
that more people may experience Posttraumatic exploring ways to reduce emotional distress
Growth (PTG) than PTSD. This type of growth
seems counter intuitive to us, so people often
underreport the positive outcomes they have
experienced. It is hard to believe that one can
benefit from such painful and challenging times, but
people can and many do. Be comforted by this
knowledge, and begin to look for and nurture any
signs of growth or learning that may emerge during
your own process of healing.

4. YOUR PATH TO RESILIENCY
1. Connect with Yourself and Others
10 STEPS Accept the support offered by family and friends. Stay active by joining
groups, participating in faith-based services or volunteering. Manage stress by
keeping a journal and practicing yoga or meditation.
YOU CAN TAKE 2. See Clearly
You cannot control your circumstances, but you can control your reaction and
NOW TO DEVELOP attitude by envisioning better times, and taking pride in your progress.
3. Acknowledge Change
RESILIENCE AND PTG Accept that your way of life and goals may no longer be the same, and shift
your focus to what is achievable now.
4. Work Toward Your Goals
Set realistic goals, develop new routines and celebrate small accomplishments.
5. Make Decisions
Don’t detach from your problems. Taking decisive action about your situation
will help you build strength.
6. Rediscover Yourself
Look for and nurture signs of greater self-awareness, appreciation and growth
that are commonly reported with PTG.
7. Trust Your Abilities
Be kind to yourself and build confidence by staying positive and believing in
your ability to persevere.
8. Step Back
View your situation from a long-term perspective to help you to avoid
overreacting or becoming overwhelmed.
9. Choose Hope
Expect positive changes in your life. Optimism is the enemy of fear.
10.Help Your Self
Make the time to take special care of yourself right now. Attend to your own
needs and feelings, and make sure to eat well, sleep well and exercise.

5. PTG TESTIMONIALS
Here is what real survivors of trauma have shared about their personal experiences with PTG:
“
It changed my life physically, emotionally, mentally, and academically –
every aspect of my life changed. In the beginning I thought it changed
my life for the worst, but in the end it changed my life for the better.
“
This has truly been a life changing and life affirming experience… At the
same time, it has been frightening, painful and extremely challenging.
Even now, it amazes me to know that none of this would have ever
happened had I not lost my job.
“
Now I take time to stop and smell the roses. I’m more present. There
is something about that time that I don’t ever want to lose - it was very
powerful for me.
“
I believe I will be able to look back some day and think the accident was
the biggest blessing that has ever happened to me.
Through this experience there has been no doubt in my mind that there
is a greater hand at work. My faith in God led me to have faith in myself.

6. WHEN MORE SUPPORT
IS NEEDED How many of the these
Feelings of fear, confusion and statements apply to you?
distress are common during the I feel overwhelmed and that I cannot handle my
recovery from a crisis. If these feelings and bodily sensations.
I have no one to share my feelings with but I would
feelings are very intense or persist like to talk to someone.
for longer than two months, you I want to avoid thoughts, places, activities and people
may want to consider seeking who remind me of what happened.
I have frequent distressing thoughts and recollection
professional help. of what happened.
I feel numb and empty.
I always feel tense, confused and exhausted.
I have unpleasant sensations in my body.
I keep busy to stop from focusing on how I am feeling.
I have nightmares.
I sleep badly.
My relationships seem to be suffering badly.
I have sexual difficulties that I did not have before.
I am drinking too much.
My performance at work has suffered.
I find it hard to concentrate.
If more than one or two of these statements apply to you, you should consider additional
support. Your primary care physician can provide you with a referral for professional counseling.

7. PTG RESOURCES
For additional information on PTG and life transitions, see the
following resources:
BOOKS ONLINE
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Department of Psychology
http://ptgi.uncc.edu/whatisptg.htm
“The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI)”
Is an online review designed for former survivors of
trauma. The PTGI can be found on the American
Psychological Association website, and it assists
former trauma survivors in measuring their possible
areas of growth. http://cust-cf.apa.org/ptgi
NOTE:
Buy If PTG develops, it happens slowly over time. The PTGI was
designed to assess growth from trauma that has occurred at
a minimum of six months ago or longer. The test may be
retaken periodically to monitor progress, but is not a
substitute for professional therapy.
Buy
For additional information on PTSD, see the National Institute of Mental Health. Click here.

8. INFORMATION SOURCES
American Psychological Association
National Institute for Mental Health
Stephen Joseph, PhD - Centre for Trauma, Resilience and
Growth at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
The PTG Research Group at
University of North Carolina at Charlotte