Correlates of post‐traumatic growth among nursing professionals: A cross‐sectional analysis

Abstract

Aims Among nursing professionals, our aims were to examine (a) self‐reported traumatic experiences, (b) differences in post‐traumatic growth (i.e. positive psychological growth after experiencing a traumatic event) by nursing professional level and (c) demographic, work‐related, behavioural and traumatic experience covariates of post‐traumatic growth. Background Trauma experience among nursing professionals is higher than observed in the general population. Due to the nature of their work environment, workplace trauma rates are particularly alarming. Understanding post‐traumatic growth among nursing professionals may guide interventions to enhance well‐being. Method A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data from nursing professionals (N = 299). Demographic, work‐related, behavioural, trauma experience categories and post‐traumatic growth variables were examined. Results Advanced practice nurses and clinical nurses reported higher rates of workplace trauma, as compared to nursing assistants. Higher post‐traumatic growth scores were associated with having a postgraduate degree, serving the paediatric population and lower frequency of alcohol use. Lower post‐traumatic growth scores were associated with being married/widowed, being an advanced practice provider or clinical nurse, working in the intensive care unit and reporting workplace, family/personal stress and undisclosed trauma. Conclusions Nursing professionals have several demographic, work‐related, behavioural and traumatic experience‐related variables associated with and that explain variances in post‐traumatic growth. Implication for Nursing Management Targeted screening and individualized treatment based on nursing professional level should be considered to support trauma recovery and post‐traumatic growth.

Nurses' post‐traumatic stress symptoms and growth by perceived workplace bullying: An online cross‐sectional study

“…In contrast to PTSS, PTG did not significantly influence the relationship between workplace bullying and mental health in this study. This finding is consistent with previous reports of PTG in the traumatized nurses at work (Okoli et al., 2020). Based on the PTG theoretical model (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004), the experience of a traumatic event develops into either positive or negative outcomes depending on individual and environmental factors, intensity and duration of trauma events, and nurse response (Laschinger & Nosko, 2015; Logan & Malone, 2018).…”

“…The most salient point is that some nurses have shown positive changes after traumatic experiences, such as post‐traumatic growth (PTG), either personally or professionally (Kim et al., 2020). Although PTG can improve mental health problems (Kim et al., 2020), workplace‐related trauma has the lowest rate of PTG among life traumas (Okoli et al., 2020). Notably, not everyone with traumatic experiences develops PTG, and those that do may require a long period.…”

Factors Associated With Post-traumatic Growth Among Healthcare Workers Who Experienced the Outbreak of MERS Virus in South Korea: A Mixed-Method Study

“…Considering the potential adverse psychological effect of COVID-19 on HCWs, we must provide viable actions and strategies to address this issue, and help them understand their trauma and its impact on them. In return, it will improve the well-being and career longevity of HCWs (Okoli et al, 2021), and enhance the quality of the health care they provide.…”

“…Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the positive psychological changes that emerge from experiencing life struggles or adverse events (Tedeschi et al, 2018). Researchers report that PTG can protect HCWs or ameliorate their psychological impact post-traumatic events (Lancee et al, 2008;Rodríguez-Rey et al, 2019;Okoli et al, 2021). It can lead to a reduction of psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression (Willie et al, 2016;Aderhold et al, 2019) and improve quality of life among traumatized HCWs (Martz et al, 2018).…”

Association of Nursing Work Environment, Relationship with the Head Nurse, and Resilience with Post-Traumatic Growth in Emergency Department Nurses

“…The World Health Organization defined coronavirus disease 2019 as a pandemic in 2020, and according to the report, more than 35,000 medical staff members were infected or died [6]. In such situations, emergency department nurses are particularly vulnerable to exposure to infectious agents and traumatic stress [7].…”