What is Posttraumatic growth?

How these concepts differ in positive psychology.

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is the contrasting idea to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which refers to the way negative outcomes are processed from stressful situations. Positive growth is possible from traumatic experiences such as accidents, catastrophes, illnesses, etc… (Baumgardner et al, 2009). For example, Christopher Reeves, the late actor, was paralyzed in an accident and would begin a life of altruism and advocacy for people paralyzed and suffering from traumatic disabilities.

The study of post-traumatic growth is an important concept for positive psychologists because it represents a means for helping people overcome serious problems and issues in a positive and productive way. If positive psychologists can understand the mechanisms for post-traumatic growth people who have experienced traumatic events may be taught to deal with these events and their aftermath in way which is healthy and promotes a satisfying life.

References

Baumgardner, S. R. and Crothers, M. .K. (2009). Positive psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

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