Posttraumatic Growth, Positive Changes, and Negative Changes in Madrid Residents following the March 11, 2004, Madrid Train Bombings

Abstract

There is a small but growing body of evidence that documents the positive changes that may accrue following exposure to traumatic events. One hundred fifty-three Madrid residents completed measures of extraversion, neuroticism, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic growth, positive changes, negative changes, and demographics following the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004. Analyses revealed gender differences, such that women reported higher levels of positive changes and negative changes than did men. Posttraumatic growth and positive changes were significantly associated with extraversion, but not with depression or anxiety. Negative changes were significantly associated with neuroticism, depression, and anxiety. Discussion focuses on the further development of research into posttraumatic growth following indirect exposure to traumatic events.

We express our gratitude to the people of Madrid who took part in this study.

Notes

^† p < .10; ∗p < .05; ∗∗p < .01; ∗∗∗p < .001.

∗p < .05; ∗∗p < .01.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elena Barbero Val

Elena Barbero Val graduated with a BSc in psychology from the University of Leicester, in 2005. Her final year dissertation research was conducted in her native city of Madrid, examining the correlates of posttraumatic growth and positive change following the Madrid train bombings of March 11, 2004. She now works with people with learning disabilities and plans to continue with her postgraduate education in the near future.

P. Alex Linley

P. Alex Linley is a lecturer in the School of Psychology, University of Leicester. He carried out his doctoral research at the University of Warwick, working with Dr. Stephen Joseph to examine the psychological processes involved in posttraumatic growth. His primary research interests are in positive psychology and its applications, particularly psychological strengths.