Year: 2004
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to a) validate and compare single and multi-factor models of the posttraumatic psychological growth construct, b) clarify the relationship between postdivorce adjustment and posttraumatic psychological growth, and c) examine the effects of social support and coping styles on post-divorce adjustment and posttraumatic psychological growth, including gender differences.One hundred-forty participants completed questionnaires measuring demographic variables as well as appraised stress, perceived social support, coping styles, adjustment to divorce, and posttraumatic psychological growth.Factor analyses confirmed the multi-dimensional structure of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) and the uni-dimensional structure of the Stress-Related Growth Scale (Park, Cohen & Murch, 1996).Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the contributions of factors to the prediction of successful postdivorce adjustment and posttraumatic growth.Gender, education level, emotional stability, agreement with the custody decision, and perceived social support predicted both dependent measures.Appraised stress and coping style also predicted divorce adjustment.The number of years since the divorce and counseling related to divorce moderated the effect of appraised stress on divorce adjustment.A new relationship moderated the effect of appraised stress on posttraumatic growth.Perceived social support mediated the effect of independent variables on both dependent variables.Women reported higher levels of perceived social support than men, and also reported higher levels of posttraumatic growth following divorce.Domains of post-divorce adjustment and posttraumatic psychological growth were compared and a model of adjustment and growth is proposed.Implications for further research on posttraumatic growth and post-divorce adjustment are discussed.Understanding the complex interactions between the individual, social, and divorce characteristics that influence post-divorce adjustment and subsequent posttraumatic growth may enhance clinicians' interventions with this population.Continued research in the area of posttraumatic psychological growth will shed important light on the origins, development, and maintenance of mental throughout the lifespan.
Author: Robin L. Graff‐Reed
Institution: Miami University
Language: English
Topic: Resilience and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2268510803