Posttraumatic growth and recovery in people with first episode psychosis: an investigation into the role of self-disclosure

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship of self-disclosure about a psychotic episode to posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG) and recovery following psychosis. Thirty-four participants who had experienced a first episode of psychosis completed the Impact of Events Scale-Revised, Disclosure of Trauma Questionnaire (a measure of need for, and resistance to, disclosure), a measure of actual self-disclosure, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Process of Recovery Questionnaire. The results highlighted that degree of self-disclosure about a psychotic episode was associated with lower levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and higher levels of PTG and recovery. Low PTSD symptoms, high recovery, high actual self-disclosure and low reluctance to talk were significantly related to high PTG. However, only low levels of PTSD symptoms significantly predicted recovery. Finally, recovery was found to mediate the relationship between self-disclosure and PTG. The findings are discussed in terms of the PTG model. Clinically, the findings suggest that people with early psychosis may benefit from disclosing their experiences of psychosis, including those aspects that were traumatic, as this may support the processes of recovery and PTG.

Posttraumatic growth within the first three months after accidental injury in China: The role of self-disclosure, cognitive processing, and psychosocial resources

“…Self-disclosure was associated with a higher level of PTG, consistent with previous studies (Currier, Lisman, Irene Harris, Tait, & Erbes, 2013;Pietruch & Jobson, 2011). Furthermore, willingness to share feelings and thoughts remained a significant predictor of PTG after controlling for other variables, whereas the fact that the patient had talked about the event did not; this suggests attitude towards self-disclosure and the content of what the patient talked about (e.g.…”

Recovery and adaptation after first-episode psychosis: The relevance of posttraumatic growth

“…Both described growth through increased appreciation of life, deeper relating to others, and enhanced perception of personal strength and new possibilities. Pietruch and Jobson (2012) found increased self-disclosure was associated with high levels of PTG and recovery and lower levels of trauma symptoms. Talking about the psychotic episode might therefore facilitate constructive change.…”

“…Two recent studies systematically research the concept of PTG in FEP (Dunkley, Bates, Foulds, & Fitzgerald, 2007;Pietruch & Jobson, 2012). Dunkley et al (2007) interviewed two people who had experienced FEP and their significant others.…”

Posttraumatic Growth in Psychosis

“…In addition, PTG can also express itself as concrete actions whereby people act in new and different ways in the face of trauma (34, 35). Although traumatic experiences are common in people who have experienced psychosis—studies have suggested that up to 98% of people who experienced psychosis were exposed to prior trauma (36), only a few studies investigated PTG in this population (37–39). Thus, we still lack the understanding of what might facilitate PTG in these individuals.…”