Posttraumatic Growth in Complex PTSD

Abstract

Objective: Although efforts have been made to study mechanisms and mediators of posttraumatic growth (PTG - positive sequelae of coping with trauma), little has been done to investigate PTG as a concept in the context of complex PTSD, a disorder recently delineated in ICD11. This article considers PTG in relation to complex PTSD, primarily as associated with childhood sexual abuse. Method: Using clinical case material and available literature, we explore the emergence of PTG in the treatment of patients with complex PTSD and examine factors contributing to its appearance. Results: Despite extensive early traumas, including those associated with histories of ongoing childhood sexual abuse, patients may be capable of PTG. While factors favoring PTG may include temperamental resilience and other as yet ill-defined personality traits, the presence of safe, supportive and enduring therapeutic and extra-therapeutic relationships, appear to address insecure attachments related to trauma and be of considerable importance in fostering possibilities for PTG. Conclusions: While much remains to be learned, encouraging and helping establish varieties of accepting, trusting and nurturing contacts in real world and psychotherapy and introducing and exploring the concept of PTG within therapy, can help patients suffering from complex PTSD address the underlying developmental deficiencies they have endured, facilitate treatment, and promote PTG.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yael Dagan

Yael Dagan is a Staff Psychiatrist at The Jerusalem Mental Health Center, Kfar Shaul Psychiatric Hospital affiliated with The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.

Joel Yager

Joel Yager is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.