Adaptive performance in refugees after trauma: how relevant are post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth?

Abstract

PurposeWars can lead to massive migration waves, e.g. the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011 led to the European refugee crisis. Discussions about labour integration often accompany huge spikes in asylum applications. Since many refugees experience traumatic events, such as torture, health problems must be considered in the work context. Unfortunately, the relevance of the post-traumatic experiences of refugees to specific job performance facets has mainly been ignored. To close the research gap, a study with refugees living in Germany was conducted to examine to what extent trauma-related variables are relevant to performance variables.Design/methodology/approachThe relationship between post-traumatic stress (PTS), post-traumatic growth (PTG) and adaptive performance (social and task-oriented adaptive performance) was examined as, nowadays, many activities require dealing with changes (e.g. new colleagues, new technologies). Sixty-nine people met the inclusion criteria (e.g. refugee status, traumatic experiences) and completed the survey. Data were analysed using the Bayesian approach.FindingsBayesian analyses revealed that PTG might promote both social and task-oriented adaptive performance. In contrast, PTS was negatively related to task-oriented adaptive performance. Furthermore, there was no substantial evidence that PTG moderates the relationship between PTS and adaptive performance. Furthermore, there is preliminary evidence that refugees do not differ substantially from the general population with respect to social adaptive performance.Originality/valueThe present study demonstrates for the first time the relevance of post-traumatic experiences to the adaptive performance of refugees.

The personal growth resources of the adult population following the first months of the war in Ukraine

“…In general, our results are consistent with the data of Cengiz et al (2018), whose regression analysis showed that resilience promoted posttraumatic growth among Syrian refugees. Our results are also consistent with the findings of Eltanamly et al (2022) and Stasielowicz (2022), who confirmed the possibility of personal growth in the civilian population as a result of posttraumatic war experiences.…”

“…Wars inflict numerous traumas on civilians in countries under attack, including witnessing torture and kidnappings, extreme violence, separation from family and forced migration (Cengiz et al, 2018; Johnson & Thompson, 2008; Stasielowicz, 2022). The consequences of war include negative mental health in the affected population, such as increased rates of anxiety, hostility, depression, posttraumatic stress disorders and dissociative disorders (Bogic et al, 2015; Schlechter et al, 2021; Stasielowicz, 2022; Zasiekina et al, 2022).…”

Focus on opportunities and adaptive performance: The importance of distinguishing between subjective and objective performance measures

“…Similarly to other fields, researchers examining adaptive performance often distinguish between subjective adaptive performance ratings and objective adaptive performance scores (Christian et al, 2017;Stasielowicz, 2019Stasielowicz, , 2020. Subjective ratings are usually collected by asking people to rate their adaptive performance or the performance of others, for example, co-workers or employees (Bohle Carbonell et al, 2014;Stasielowicz, 2022;Stokes et al, 2010). In contrast, people are asked to complete a specific task to measure objective adaptive scores.…”

Integrative attitudes of Ukrainian war refugees in two neighboring European countries (Poland and Hungary) in connection with posttraumatic stress symptoms and social support

“…The literature is inconclusive regarding the relationship between posttraumatic stress and acculturation. Stasielowicz ( 16 ) studied the adaptive performance of refugees who experienced trauma living in Germany. Adaptive performance refers to “altering behavior to meet the demands of a new situation, event, or set of circumstances” ( 17 , p. 615).…”