THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PHENOMENON OF POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE

Abstract

The article aims to get a general idea of the concept of “post-traumatic growth” in psychology, get acquainted with the current scientific works of foreign scientists devoted to the study of this issue and  identify the most problematic issues in the study of this phenomenon. Over the past centuries, the scientific literature in the field of mental health has mainly focused on the negative consequences of traumatic events. Only recently, the peculiarities of resilience and possible positive consequences of trauma have attracted increasing interest of scientists. This has led to the emergence of the concept of post-traumatic growth (PTG), which is defined as positive psychological changes that arise as a result of overcoming difficult life circumstances. The article analizes the scientific works that reveal the phenomenon of PTG. The main theoretical approaches to understanding post-traumatic growth have been identified. Among them are the theory of dynamic systems, the post-traumatic growth model by R. Tedeschi and L. Calhoun, the concept of S. Joseph and A. Linley, narrative transformation model by J. Pals and D. McAdams, as well as the “action-oriented growth” theory by S. Hobfall and colleagues. The focus is on five areas of life that undergo positive changes during post-traumatic growth. These include improving relationships with people, realizing new opportunities, developing a sense of inner strength, spiritual growth and increasing the value of life. It is emphasized that there is a relationship between post-traumatic growth and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is noted that these phenomena can coexist without being mutually exclusive. Social and psychological resources that play a fundamental role in the development of PTSD, contributing to the adaptation and transformation of the individual after experiencing trauma, are described. The results of the theoretical research presented in the article are useful for researchers, students, and specialists in the field of mental health care.

References

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