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Coping processes and dimensions of posttraumatic growth

Morris, Bronwyn A. and Shakespeare-Finch, Jane E. and Scott, Jennifer L. (2007) Coping processes and dimensions of posttraumatic growth. The Australasian Journal of Disaster and Trauma Studies 2007(1).

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Abstract

The emergence of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) research in an oncology setting is highlighting the different individual and situational characteristics that promote the perception of benefits, in particular the role of coping processes used post-diagnosis. These coping processes were assessed in a sample of 335 men and women, with heterogeneous cancer diagnoses, treated in a regional Australian hospital in a two year time period. Positive change and coping were measured with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the COPE Inventory. Results show that positive reframing is positively correlated with all PTGI factors and focussing on/venting emotions, social support engagement, and active coping are associated with two dimensions of PTG (New Possibilities and Relating to Others). Furthermore, a comparable pattern of correlations between PTG and coping was found in a sample of emergency service workers’ perceptions of benefits following workplace trauma. The current study highlights the multidimensional nature of PTG and the coping processes associated with different areas of growth. Further research can be conducted longitudinally in order to identify the differential processes of adaptation that lead to each area of growth.

Item Type:Journal Article
Status:Published
Subjects:220000 Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts - General
ID Code:8268
Deposited By:Shakespeare-Finch, Jane
Deposited On:26 June 2007
Alternative Locations:http://www.massey.ac.nz/~trauma/, http://www.massey.ac.nz/~trauma/issues/2007-1/morris.htm
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2007 Massey University
Additional Information:The contents of this journal can be freely accessed online via the journal’s web page (see hypertext link).