From the Guidelines
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) after divorce is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can lead to positive psychological changes, including increased self-confidence, deeper relationships, and a greater appreciation for life. However, the provided evidence does not directly address the relationship between PTG and divorce. The studies cited focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms in the context of sexual assault and disasters, rather than divorce.
Despite the lack of direct evidence, it is possible to infer that the principles of PTG may apply to divorce, as it is also a traumatic and distressing experience. Individuals who experience divorce may undergo a process of struggling with the trauma, which can force them to rebuild their assumptions about themselves and their world. For growth to occur, individuals should actively engage in meaning-making, seek social support, practice self-compassion, and potentially pursue therapy with approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy or narrative therapy 1.
Some key points to consider when exploring PTG in the context of divorce include:
- The importance of social support and seeking help from mental health professionals 1
- The potential benefits of therapy, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy 1
- The need for individuals to engage in meaning-making and rebuild their assumptions about themselves and their world
- The possibility that PTG can coexist with suffering and pain, and that it may take months or years to fully manifest.
It is essential to note that the evidence provided does not directly address the relationship between PTG and divorce, and therefore, the recommendations are based on the general principles of PTG and trauma recovery. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between PTG and divorce.
From the Research
Post-Traumatic Growth and Divorce
- Post-traumatic growth (PTG) refers to the positive psychological changes that can occur after a traumatic event, such as divorce 2.
- Research has shown that PTG can be associated with increased subjective well-being and self-esteem in divorced individuals 3.
- The relationship between PTG and subjective well-being is mediated by self-esteem, with self-esteem acting as a psychological mechanism that transmits the positive effects of PTG onto subjective well-being 3.
Determinants of Post-Traumatic Growth
- Autonomy, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, emotional self-regulation, and motivation for personality adjustment goals are associated with post-divorce life satisfaction and personal growth 4.
- Personal growth is associated with purpose in life, self-expansion, psychological mindedness, and motivation for personality growth goals 4.
- The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) is a self-report scale that measures the five domains of PTG: appreciation of life, relationships with others, new possibilities in life, personal strength, and spiritual change 5, 2.
Measurement and Conceptual Considerations
- The PTGI has been criticized for its poor model fit and high intercorrelation between factors, which may limit its ability to distinguish between different domains of PTG 5.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and factors that contribute to PTG, particularly in the context of divorce 3, 4, 2.
- The concept of PTG has implications for the development of new therapies and interventions aimed at promoting positive change and growth in individuals who have experienced traumatic events, including divorce 2, 6.