Correlation Between Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Based on Pearson Correlation Coefficient

Abstract

The literature on posttraumatic growth (PTG) is burgeoning, with the inconsistencies in the literature of the relationship between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms becoming a focal point of attention. Thus, this meta-analysis aims to explore the relationship between PTG and PTSD symptoms through the Pearson correlation coefficient. A systematic search of the literature from January 1996 to November 2015 was completed. We retrieved reports on 63 studies that involved 26,951 patients. The weighted correlation coefficient revealed an effect size of 0.22 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.18 to 0.25. Meta-analysis provides evidence that PTG may be positively correlated with PTSD symptoms and that this correlation may be modified by age, trauma type, and time since trauma. Accordingly, people with high levels of PTG should not be ignored, but rather, they should continue to receive help to alleviate their PTSD symptoms.

Patterns of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Posttraumatic Growth in an Epidemiological Sample of Chinese Earthquake Survivors: A Latent Profile Analysis

“…Among the mild symptoms and high PTSD/high PTG groups, PTSD and PTG severity were reflective of each other. These findings indicate a positive association between PTSD and PTG, which are consistent with previous studies that have showed positive relationships (e.g., Tiamiyu et al, 2016; Liu et al, 2017; Zalta et al, 2017). In contrast, a negative association between the two constructs is shown in the mild PTSD/high PTG group, which is consistent with earlier research (e.g., Hall et al, 2008; Ssenyonga et al, 2013).…”

“…However, the statistical relationship between these two constructs has resulted in mixed findings. Some studies found positive associations between PTSD and PTG (e.g., Tiamiyu et al, 2016; Liu et al, 2017; Zalta et al, 2017), while other studies reported that PTSD was inversely associated with PTG (e.g., Hall et al, 2008; Ssenyonga et al, 2013) or failed to find robust associations (e.g., Klosky et al, 2014). Moreover, a meta-analysis yielded both a linear, and a stronger curvilinear, relationship (Shakespeare-Finch and Lurie-Beck, 2014).…”

Beyond linear evidence: The curvilinear relationship between secondary traumatic stress and vicarious posttraumatic growth among healthcare professionals

“…Before examining the STS-VPTG relationship, it is imperative to control the confounding impact of other variables. There are shreds of evidence to suggest that the posttraumatic distress-PTG relationship would be impacted by age (e.g., Ghahramanlou & Brodbeck, 2000;Liu et al, 2017), professional experience (e.g., Figley, 2002;Kjellenberg et al, 2014;Linley & Joseph, 2007), personal trauma (e.g., Kjellenberg et al, 2014;Linley & Joseph, 2007;Swickert, Hittner, DeRoma, & Saylor, 2006), gender (e.g., Choi, 2011;Creamer & Liddle, 2005;Linley & Joseph, 2007;Shiri et al, 2008a), and profession type (Manning-Jones et al, 2017;Shiri et al, 2008a;Taubman-Ben-Ari & Weintroub, 2008). Therefore, to control for the potential confounding effects of age, professional experience, and personal trauma, these were included in the regression analysis as control variables if they significantly correlated with either the dependent or the independent variables.…”

“…Other studies have reported a negative association between the two constructs both among direct trauma survivors (e.g., Frazier, Conlon, & Glaser, ; Hall, Hobfoll, Palmieri, et al, ; Ssenyonga, Owens, & Olema, ) and indirectly exposed to trauma (e.g., Ogińska‐Bulik, ). Although some other studies including a meta‐analysis have reported a positive relationship between posttraumatic distress and PTG, both among direct trauma survivors (e.g., Helgeson, Reynolds, & Tomich, ; Tiamiyu et al, : Liu, Wang, Li, Gong, & Liu, ; Zalta et al, ) and among individuals vicariously exposed to trauma (e.g., Kjellenberg, Nilsson, Daukantaité, & Cardeña, ; Kunst, Saan, Bollen, & Kuijpers, ; O'Sullivan & Whelan, ; Samios, Rodzik, & Abel, ). Moreover, a meta‐analysis produced both a linear and a stronger curvilinear relationship between the two constructs (Shakespeare‐Finch & Lurie‐Beck, ).…”

Engagement in linkage to mental health care program in the Rockaways after Hurricane Sandy

“…Exposure to natural disasters is associated with increased risk of developing mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Fergusson, Horwood, Boden, & Mulder, 2014;Kim et al, 2016;Lieberman-Cribbin, Liu, Schneider, Schwartz, & Taioli, 2017 ;Liu, Wang, Li, Gong, & Liu, 2017;Lowe, Manove, & Rhodes, 2013;Maclean, Popovici, & French, 2016;Ruskin et al, 2018;Schwartz et al, 2016a;Schwartz et al, 2015Schwartz et al, , 2018Schwartz, Gillezeau, Liu, Lieberman-Cribbin, & Taioli, 2017;Schwartz, Rothenberg, Kerath, Liu, & Taioli, 2016b;Thienkrua et al, 2006). Exposure to a natural disaster has also been found to be correlated with increased suicidal ideation and attempts as well as substance use (Fergusson et al, 2014;Stein et al, 2010).…”