“I get by with a little help from my friends”: Posttraumatic growth in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The aftermath of a trauma may be commonly associated with negative outcomes; however, these experiences can also lead to positive personal changes, including posttraumatic growth (PTG). Little research has explored PTG in relation to chronic or vicarious trauma, nor with regard to the social context. The current study investigated the role of perceived social support in moderating psychological distress and PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional data were collected online using CloudResearch from 296 adults residing in the United States of America during August 2020. A strong positive relationship was found between impact of trauma and PTG (r = .54; p , .001). Moderated multiple regression indicated psychological distress, perceived social support, age, gender, ethnicity, and education accounted for 39% of the variance in PTG; however, a significant positive relationship was only found between social support and PTG. The interaction between social support and psychological distress was significant (p = .021), with slope indicating the relationship between distress and PTG is strengthened with increasing social support. Contrary to expectations, this study found a significant relationship existed between PTG and perceived support from friends (b = .23; p = .001) and family (b = .14, p = .044), but not significant others. Age also predicted PTG, suggesting younger people may experience higher growth, and significant mean differences were found between Caucasian and African American participants who reported higher levels of PTG. These findings have potential implications for improving mental health outcomes during this challenging and novel period of our history.

COVID-19 Related Stress and Mental Health Outcomes 1 Year After the Peak of the Pandemic Outbreak in China: the Mediating Effect of Resilience and Social Support

“…It can serve as a buffer to the severity of the traumatic events and foster people's recovery from the difficulties (27). As a coping resource, empirical studies indicated that a higher level of support from family, friends, and significant others would predict a higher level of post-traumatic growth under the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (28)(29)(30). Meanwhile, perceived social support works as a protective factor in reducing depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic (31,32).…”

Prediction of post-traumatic growth in the face of the COVID-19 crisis based on resilience, post-traumatic stress and social participation: A longitudinal study

“…In addition, studies have shown that the predictive value of PTSS for PTG is maintained longitudinally ( Zhou et al, 2015 ). Considering the above, it is necessary to use PTSS as a predictor of the development of PTG and, in fact, it has been used in the latest predictive models of PTG in the context of COVID-19 (e.g., Lau et al, 2021 ; Northfield and Johnston, 2021 ).…”

Finding Strength in Times of Crisis? Post-Traumatic Growth During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Saudi Arabian Perspective

“…The experience of lockdowns and the sudden shut down of normal life lead participants to focus on themselves and explore different copying strategies. Similar studies have indicated that participants develop a broad variety of coping mechanisms to deal with crisis such as the pandemic ( Northfield & Johnston, 2021 ). Self-exploration and focus on their own strengths and capabilities are often the main elements of PTG.…”