While the validity of posttraumatic growth has been repeatedly questioned, the prevalence of
growth after exposure to trauma is widely established. Perceptions of posttraumatic growth
were examined in a sample of South African adults (N = 135). Participants completed a selfadministered
battery of questionnaires via an online trauma survey or in paper format. Data
specific to the nature of the traumatic event, particularly the type of trauma, time since the
traumatic event, the impact of the event and perceived threat of the event, were collected
along with posttraumatic growth (PTG) scores. Age, gender and perceived social support
were also assessed as variables. Results of the multivariate analyses indicated that PTG
differed significantly as a function of the type of traumatic event. PTG also differed according
to the time since the traumatic event, although the relationship was complex and subject to the
additional moderating factors of depression, anxiety and stress. Examination of the growth
factors further revealed a differential pattern of PTG according to event type, and a variable
pattern of relationship to social support, perceived threat and impact of the trauma. The
findings supported the view of PTG as a complex, highly subjective perception of growth that
may involve many levels and aspects of change. The nature of PTG is important in the context
of South Africa, for the individuals, and their families, who have been exposed to high levels
of crime, violence, chronic illness and road accidents, and for a nation in the process of
rebuilding itself.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/7552 |
| Date | 24 February 2010 |
| Creators | Roe-Berning, Shelley |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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