Post Traumatic Growth (PTG)

Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) was first developed by Richard G. Tedeschi and Lawrence G. Calhoun in 1996 when they began publishing their research on the positive outcomes reported by people who experienced trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun define PTG as “positive psychological changes experienced as a result of the struggle with trauma or highly challenging situations”. While there can be a tendency to focus on the real and consequential effects of trauma, not as much time has been given to the concept of Post Traumatic Growth. Research shows that trauma can increase self-awareness and self-confidence, positively change our self-perception, deepen other relationships, increase our appreciation for our own existence, and realize that making decisions is in our best interest, including protecting ourselves from abuse in our interpersonal relationships. Tedeschi asserts “about one-half to two-thirds of people show post traumatic growth” and those numbers remain relatively stable over time. Sometimes described as resilience or grit, the increased self awareness that comes along with post-traumatic growth allows us the clarity to identify healthy relationships, and that includes finding a community of others who share similar experiences who understand what a life before and after trauma looks and feels like.

If you’re curious to learn more, I would recommend What Doesn't Kill Us: The New Psychology of Posttraumatic Growth by Dr. Stephen Joseph. You can get a copy from your local public library or from bookshop.org