This study extends L. G. Calhoun and R. G. Tedeschi’s (1998) model of posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive change resulting from the struggle with trauma, to children by exploring the construct among youngsters who experienced Hurricane Floyd and the subsequent flooding. Despite burgeoning interest in PTG, few studies have examined the phenomenon among non-adults. This first systematic study of PTG in children explores hypothesized linkages among PTG and social support, competency beliefs, and ruminative thinking. Results suggest that competency beliefs relate to PTG and that a supportive social environment and ruminative thinking are associated with positive competency beliefs. Contrary to expectations, social support did not relate to rumination. Findings testify to the merit of studying the PTG process in children. Clinical implications and future directions are considered. (APA PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Read the Article “An Exploratory Study on Posttraumatic Growth in Children Following Natural Disaster” https://doi.org/10.1037/0002-9432.76.1.65
Your support powers life-changing programs offered at no charge to veterans, military, first responders, and their families. With your help, our Warriors won't just survive — they'll thrive.
We have received your email sign-up. Please tell us more about yourself.