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Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research

Posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress and psychological adjustment in the aftermath of the 2011 Oslo bombing attack

Authors: Ines Blix, Marianne Bang Hansen, Marianne Skogbrott Birkeland, Alexander Nissen, Trond Heir

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Background

Experiencing potentially traumatic events is associated with psychological distress. However, some survivors also experience positive personal and psychological changes in the aftermath of trauma.

Methods

The present study investigated perceived posttraumatic growth in 197 ministerial employees who were present at work during the 2011 Oslo bombing attack. The relationships between trauma-exposure, peritraumatic reactions and posttraumatic growth were studied. Moreover, the adaptive significance of posttraumatic growth was addressed.

Results

The results showed that higher levels of trauma-exposure and immediate reactions were significantly related to perceived posttraumatic growth. No support for an adaptive significance of posttraumatic growth was found. On the contrary, posttraumatic growth was associated with higher symptom levels of posttraumatic stress. After adjusting for posttraumatic stress symptoms no association was found between perceived growth and work and social adjustment. However, perceived growth was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction.

Conclusion

The present results are in line with previous findings indicating that perceived growth may be unrelated to psychological adjustment, and suggest that the concept and significance of posttraumatic growth should be interpreted with caution.

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Title: Posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress and psychological adjustment in the aftermath of the 2011 Oslo bombing attack
Authors: Ines Blix
Marianne Bang Hansen
Marianne Skogbrott Birkeland
Alexander Nissen
Trond Heir
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-11-160

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress and psychological adjustment in the aftermath of the 2011 Oslo bombing attack

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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