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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 1/2004

Open Access 01-12-2004 | Research

Facilitating post traumatic growth

Authors: de Sales Turner, Helen Cox

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2004

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Abstract

Background

Whilst negative responses to traumatic injury have been well documented in the literature, there is a small but growing body of work that identifies posttraumatic growth as a salient feature of this experience. We contribute to this discourse by reporting on the experiences of 13 individuals who were traumatically injured, had undergone extensive rehabilitation and were discharged from formal care. All participants were injured through involvement in a motor vehicle accident, with the exception of one, who was injured through falling off the roof of a house.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we used an audio-taped in-depth interview with each participant as the means of data collection. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically to determine the participants' unique perspectives on the experience of recovery from traumatic injury. In reporting the findings, all participants' were given a pseudonym to assure their anonymity.

Results

Most participants indicated that their involvement in a traumatic occurrence was a springboard for growth that enabled them to develop new perspectives on life and living.

Conclusion

There are a number of contributions that health providers may make to the recovery of individuals who have been traumatically injured to assist them to develop new views of vulnerability and strength, make changes in relationships, and facilitate philosophical, physical and spiritual growth.
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Metadata
Title
Facilitating post traumatic growth
Authors
de Sales Turner
Helen Cox
Publication date
01-12-2004
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2004
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-2-34

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