From Life’s Difficulties to Posttraumatic Growth: How Do We Get There?

Abstract

The concept of posttraumatic growth (PTG) suggests that the aftermath of difficult life experiences does not always pose negative consequences. In fact, there are positive outcomes, such as deepened relationships with others and a more positive selfimage (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). The current study assessed the relationship among difficult life experiences, mindfulness and posttraumatic growth. In order to explore the relationship among these concepts, 152 Mount Royal University students completed a battery of surveys on the current topics. Regression analyses revealed significant moderation effects for the mindfulness facets of observing, nonreacting and nonjudging. These results give some initial evidence for the life's difficulties and PTG by using mindfulness skills. The interplay between PTG and mindfulness is relevant for clinicians dealing with populations with PTSD and adds to the literature on methods for encouraging growth.

Posttraumatic growth and pain acceptance: A profile analysis of chronic pain experience.

“…Among police officers, facets enhancing cognitive processing have been associated with PTG scores: positively with observing and describing facets, and negatively with nonjudgmental facet of dispositional mindfulness (Chopko & Schwartz, 2009). Additionally, nonreactivity and acting with awareness as behavioral regulation abilities have also been associated with greater PTG in community samples (Hanley et al, 2015;Redekop & Clark, 2016). Mindfulness training, as a facilitator of PTG, showed encouraging results but these interventions were predominantly implemented in cancer patients (Shiyko et al, 2017).…”