Pandemic-Driven Posttraumatic Growth for Organizations and Individuals

Abstract

This Viewpoint discusses how disruptions from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can set the stage for beneficial personal and organizational change, and proposes steps that can be taken to catalyze the posttraumatic growth process.

Pivoting in the pandemic: a qualitative study of child and adolescent psychiatrists in the times of COVID-19

“…Second, although this study aimed to "develop the lm" of participants' photo re ections, we recognize that this re ective exercise occurred in the midst of the syndemic, rather than serving as a retrospective analysis of completed events. In describing the opportunities for posttraumatic growth, Olson et al caution against pressuring individuals to seek growth too soon after a traumatic event ends, let alone during a crisis [41]. Although the qualitative nature of this study offered a moment of re ective stillness for which several participants expressed gratitude, the study's close proximity to the daily events of the syndemic undoubtedly in uenced the nature of participants' commentary.…”

“…In response to a traumatic year, this momentum-oriented mindset represents an adaptive response that seems promising for the hope of a successful pivot. Olson et al call for pandemic-driven posttraumatic growth in healthcare, seeking "positive psychological change experienced as a result of a struggle with highly challenging life circumstances" in a way that creates a "new normal" rather than seeking to return to the status quo [41]. As one participant presciently quipped, "paradigms break, morph, shift when they no longer work for the environment in which they were developed."…”

Navigating the Covid-19 Pandemic by Caring for Our Health Care Workforce as They Care for Our Patients

“…Furthermore, we were able to provide opportunities through individual conversations and focus groups for deliberate reflection about experiences related to the pandemic, in an effort to foster learning and post-traumatic growth. 9 Rather than using a crisis-management approach to restore the organization back to normal functioning after the pandemic, our goal is to achieve a higher level of functioning as a result of addressing and learning from adversity.…”

“…Organizational post-traumatic growth is the process by which organizations not only are restored, but also achieve a higher level of functioning as a result of addressing and learning from a traumatic event. 9 …”

Radiologist Well-Being and Professional Fulfillment in the COVID-19 Era: Fostering Posttraumatic Growth

“…Many factors impact the consequences and manifestations, including the nature of the trauma, the degree of resilience, past life experiences, and available support structures. PTG represents the positive psychological changes that can occur after a highly challenging life circumstances, especially if a new and improved "normal" is achieved [38]. These growth changes include increased appreciation for life, more meaningful interpersonal relationships, changed priorities, and an increased sense of personal strength [38].…”