Many of you reading this blog will want to know are there any personality traits or life factors that make posttraumatic growth more likely? We know from research that these 4 factors are related to eventual growth, resilience, and thriving in the aftermath of traumatic experiences (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

A Positive Attitude

Individuals who experience positive adaptation after trauma are more likely to be optimistic.  They see the world and their future in a positive light. They also carry a belief that they are capable of healing, even if they are currently struggling. And these individuals are more likely to have the personality trait of being open to new experiences. The commonalities between these three factors are that these individuals turn towards events and the world, even when they experience rejection, failure, and hurt.

Being Social Creatures

Survivors who are increasingly likely to experience growth are social creatures. These individuals have and utilize their social networks to cope with adversity. They tend to be extraverted. Their outgoing nature is related to sharing their pain with others who can carry some part of the burden. Likely these individuals have many people in their tribe who are rooting for them to get better, who are encouraging them to attend their health related appointments, and who are checking in on them and their emotional well-being. They tend to feel supported rather than isolated by the events that have happened to them.

Emotional Intelligence

Posttraumatic growth is associated with some of the traits and behaviors of emotional intelligence. For example, survivors who are able to feel positive emotions and make them a part of daily life, are able to reach growth. Individuals who are able to identify and express feelings in treatment and thus learn how to cope with their struggles are likely to experience resilience. And posttraumatic growth is increasingly likely for those who realize their emotional pain is temporary and can be overcome.

Factors Related to Working Through and Finding Meaning

One of the most important factors associated with posttraumatic growth is the willingness to cognitively process the traumatic event(s) that one has experienced. Trauma therapists do this processing in many different ways, but they all come back to helping clients to make meaning of their life. 

What Can Individuals with a Trauma History DO to Reach Posttraumatic Growth?

Individuals can reach out to a therapist to seek help after the trauma they have experienced. The negative impacts of trauma are able to fester in secrecy, avoidance, and denial. It takes incredible courage to shine the light on painful traumatic experiences. But labeling what one experienced as trauma can be a first step towards getting the help you need. A therapist can help you overcome intense doubt and shame. Seeking help can increase your hope for the future. And it makes it more likely that posttraumatic growth is possible for you!

If you would like to read more about how therapy can help you reach posttraumatic growth, click here.

References:

Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth: Conceptual foundations and empirical evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15, 1-18.