PTG Basics
This term describes positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances.
What is Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)?
A survivor noticing they take extra time to enjoy a simple sunset or a cup of coffee is showing growth in this domain.
What is "Appreciation of Life"?
Myth or Fact: Experiencing Post-Traumatic Growth means you no longer feel sad or distressed about the trauma.
What is a Myth? (Distress and growth often coexist).
Building this type of network—whether friends, family, or support groups—is one of the strongest predictors of PTG.
What is a social support system?
This concept is often confused with PTG; it means "bouncing back" to your baseline level of functioning after a setback.
What is resilience?
Discovering a deep bond with other trauma survivors or feeling increased compassion for strangers falls under this domain.
What is "Relating to Others"?
This cultural pressure to "only look on the bright side" can actually hinder authentic healing and PTG.
What is toxic positivity?
This therapeutic practice involves non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, helping survivors manage intrusive thoughts.
What is mindfulness?
PTG was first extensively researched and coined in the 1990s by these two psychologists.
Who are Tedeschi and Calhoun?
A belief that "If I can survive that, I can handle anything" represents this domain of PTG.
What is "Personal Strength"?
Myth or Fact: You have failed at healing if you do not experience Post-Traumatic Growth.
What is a Myth? (PTG is common, but not required for a healthy life).
This psychological term refers to an individual's belief in their own capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments.
What is self-efficacy?
This mental process involves actively and purposefully thinking about the trauma to make sense of it, which is a key driver of PTG.
What is deliberate rumination?
Changing careers, going back to school, or starting a foundation after a traumatic event reflects this domain.
What are "New Possibilities"?
True or False: Post-Traumatic Growth usually happens immediately after the traumatic event occurs.
What is False? (It is a gradual process that takes time).
This common therapy approach helps survivors identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns about their trauma.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
In the context of PTG, trauma is often compared to a literal one of these, destroying an old belief system so a new one can be built.
What is an earthquake (or seismic event)?
A deepened faith, a shift in life philosophy, or a new mindfulness practice aligns with this domain.
What is "Spiritual and Existential Change"?
PTG is not a clinical diagnosis, but it frequently co-occurs in individuals receiving treatment for this specific psychiatric diagnosis.
What is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?
Sharing your trauma story in a safe environment helps create this type of "account," which aids in meaning-making.
What is a narrative (or trauma narrative)?