Relationships of Posttraumatic Growth and Stress Responses in Bereaved Young Adults

Abstract

The present study examined posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its associations with stress responses in bereaved young adults. It was hypothesized that the PTG domains that are more strongly endorsed among the bereaved would show an inverted-U-shaped relationship with stress responses. Japanese undergraduate students who reported their loss of loved ones as the most traumatic experience within the past 5 years completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the revised Impact of Event Scale. Results revealed that the hypothesized curvilinear relationships were observed in the PTG domain of relating to others and the combined domain of spiritual change and appreciation of life, whereas linear relationships were found in the personal strength and new possibilities domains. These results suggest that although a certain level of stress response may be crucial for experiencing PTG, the relationship varies across the PTG domains in these bereaved young adults.

KEYWORDS:

• bereavement
• curvilinear relationships
• posttraumatic growth
• PTG domains
• stress

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kanako Taku

Kanako Taku is an assistant professor of psychology at Oakland University. Her areas of specialization include clinical, developmental, personality, and cross-cultural psychology. Her line of research has centered on the construct of posttraumatic growth.

Richard G. Tedeschi

Richard G. Tedeschi is a professor of psychology at UNC Charlotte. His primary research area is posttraumatic growth in relation to various traumatic events.

Arnie Cann

Arnie Cann is a professor of psychology at UNC Charlotte. His current research interests include understanding how meaning is found in stressful experiences and how humor is related to well-being.