Lessons learned from conducting a study of emotions and positive personality change in Syrian origin young adults who have recently resettled in the Netherlands

Abstract

Post-traumatic growth is a compelling idea, yet extant research has often employed retrospective reports of change, rather than examining change over time. Research on samples of people that are traditionally seen as hard-to-reach are rare within personality psychology. In Karakter, we assessed a sample of Syrian origin young adults who recently resettled in the Netherlands (initial N = 168) four times over a 13-month period to examine experiences of adversity, emotions, and positive personality change. Here, we provide a detailed narrative of the research process, beginning with a description of how we incorporated open science practices in Karakter. We then turn to a discussion of the changes, challenges, and opportunities we encountered in the research. In doing so, we discuss conceptual and methodological considerations when examining personality change. We close with suggestions for researchers who are interested in conducting similar studies with populations that are underrecruited in the future.

What does a personality science approach to post-traumatic growth reveal?

“…Chung et al (2022) provide a thoughtful reflection on the research process of their study of personality change with a sample of resettled Syrian refugees. Particularly of note to the current discussion was how the research project evolved and changed in response to not only challenges encountered along the way, but through a greater understanding of the participants’ needs and expectations of the project and their participation.…”

“…While the effects were strongest and only significant for personal adversity, this study design adopted a broader definition of adversity and acknowledged adversities experienced within the parents' lives could serve to impact on the family environment and thus also impact on the adolescents' personality development. Chung et al (2022) provide a thoughtful reflection on the research process of their study of personality change with a sample of resettled Syrian refugees. Particularly of note to the current discussion was how the research project evolved and changed in response to not only challenges encountered along the way, but through a greater understanding of the participants' needs and expectations of the project and their participation.…”

Post‐traumatic growth among pediatric transplant recipients and their caregivers: A scoping review

“…Fourth, researchers should consider longitudinal designs when investigating PTG in pediatric transplant populations to facilitate our understanding of how PTG develops over time (for examples in a pediatric context and beyond, see Husson et al 10 . and Chung et al., 36 respectively). Fifth, researchers could employ youth participatory action research (YPAR) methods when investigating PTG in pediatric transplant to involve these communities in the study design to center their needs and lived experiences (for a recent systematic review of YPAR, see Branquinho et al 37 ).…”

Open Peer Commentary and Author Response Regarding ‘Life Events and Personality Change: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis’

“…Measures beyond self-report can be included, such as automatic tracking, physiology, cognitive abilities, as well as experimental approaches. ILD can help diversify our research, as they are suited to collect smaller data sets in specific communities (e.g., Chung et al, 2022). Our lab has conducted such studies (GradLife: job entry; STRIDE: educational transition; NiMO: motherhood).…”