Post‐traumatic growth and life threatening physical illness: A systematic review of the qualitative literature
- 1 May 2009
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wiley in British Journal of Health Psychology
- Vol. 14 (2), 343-378
- https://doi.org/10.1348/135910708x332936
Abstract
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the phenomenon of positive change through the experience of trauma and adversity (O'Leary & Ickovics, 1995). Research suggests that the type of trauma sustained could have differing processes and outcomes from each other (Demark-wahnefried et al., 2000; Sabiston, McDonough, and Crocker, 2007). The aim of this study was to synthesize qualitative data on PTG and illness related trauma. Fifty-seven published journal articles dating from before November 1st, 2007 in PsychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and from the authors own knowledge of the area were reviewed. Key words included PTG; benefit finding; thriving and positive changes. Key themes included: 'reappraisal of life and priorities'; 'trauma equals development of self'; 'existential re-evaluation'; and 'a new awareness of the body'. Findings suggest that there are unique elements to illness related PTG and a need for additional research into the processes and outcomes of physical illness related trauma.Keywords
This publication has 69 references indexed in Scilit:
- Methods for the thematic synthesis of qualitative research in systematic reviewsBMC Medical Research Methodology, 2008
- A longitudinal study on women?s experiences of life with breast cancer in anthroposophical (complementary) and conventional careEuropean Journal of Cancer Care, 2007
- Synthesizing qualitative research: a review of published reportsQualitative Research, 2007
- Transcending Breast CancerJournal of Holistic Nursing, 2005
- The meaning of quality of life in patients being treated for advanced breast cancer: A qualitative studyPsycho‐Oncology, 2004
- Coping with the onset of cancer: coping strategies and resources of young people with cancerEuropean Journal of Cancer Care, 2001
- Psychological Thriving Among Latinas With Chronic IllnessJournal of Social Issues, 1998
- Resilience and Thriving: Issues, Models, and LinkagesJournal of Social Issues, 1998
- Positive and negative psychosocial sequelae of bone marrow transplantation: Implications for quality of life assessmentJournal of Behavioral Medicine, 1996
- Psychological response of patients cured of advanced cancerCancer, 1976