Posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings: A scoping review of prevalence, characteristics and interventions

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological change following trauma. However, there is a need to better understand the experience of posttraumatic growth in the palliative care setting as well as the availability and efficacy of interventions that target this phenomenon. Aims: To provide a review of the prevalence, characteristics and interventions involving posttraumatic growth in adults receiving palliative care and to collate recommendations for future development and utilisation of interventions promoting posttraumatic growth. Design: We performed a systematic scoping review of studies investigating posttraumatic growth in palliative care settings using the Arksey and O'Malley six-step scoping review criteria. We used the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Data sources: Articles in all languages available on Ovid Medline [1946–2022], Embase [1947–2022], APA PsycINFO [1947–2022] and CINAHL [1981–2022] in November 2022. Results: Of 2167 articles located, 17 were included for review. These reported that most people report low to moderate levels of posttraumatic growth with a decline towards end-of-life as distress and symptom burden increase. Associations include a relationship between posttraumatic growth, acceptance and greater quality-of-life. A limited number of interventions have been evaluated and found to foster posttraumatic growth and promote significant psychological growth. Conclusion: Posttraumatic growth is an emerging concept in palliative care where although the number of studies is small, early indications suggest that interventions fostering posttraumatic growth may contribute to improvements in psychological wellbeing in people receiving palliative care.

Positive psychology and palliative care: A call for an integrative approach

“…Positive psychology is generating growing interest in the healthcare field, including palliative care, with a focus on both its potential advantages, as suggested recently by the review of Austin et al (2024) on posttraumatic growth, and the critical discussions surrounding its legitimacy, as exemplified by Stiefel et al (2023). Two general approaches have been developed for the psychological care of patients: on the one hand, classical psychopathological approaches based on the recognition and reduction of psychological suffering, and, on the other, the positive psychology approach that values and aims to reinforce the positive experiences, emotions, and personality traits of individuals.…”