TITLE:
From Life’s Difficulties to Posttraumatic Growth: How Do We Get There?
AUTHORS:
Michelle Redekop, Mitchell Clark
KEYWORDS:
Mindfulness, PTSD, Posttraumatic Growth, Positive Psychology
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.7 No.12,
November
7,
2016
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 self-image (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.