Long-term courses of posttraumatic growth in survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Abstract

Trauma survivors’ experiences of perceived posttraumatic growth (PTG) are thought to be dynamic, with levels varying over time. Although a small body of literature has examined PTG trajectories, key limitations include the lack of pre-event data and little consideration of the non-disaster-related resources and stressors experienced by survivors following the trauma event. The present study investigated factors associated with stability and shifts in PTG over the course of approximately 10 years in low-income, primarily Black mothers who survived Hurricane Katrina. Drawing on a multi-wave dataset that included pre-disaster data, three distinct courses of PTG were identified: (1) Consistently High PTG (31.6%); (2) Low and Decreasing PTG (38.3%); and (3) Increasing PTG (30.1%). A range of psychosocial resources, including survivors’ sense of purpose, neighborhood satisfaction, positive religious coping, and perceived social support, were associated with membership in these groups. Overall stressor scores were significantly associated with membership in the Low and Decreasing PTG course relative to either the Consistently High PTG or Increasing PTG courses. Additionally, those experiencing higher levels of financial instability experienced increased odds of membership in the Low and Decreasing PTG course relative to the Consistently High PTG course. Although more research is needed, the results suggest that PTG is a process that can be both facilitated and impeded by experiences and resources not associated with the initial traumatic event itself. This presents novel opportunities for clinical intervention and policies to better support survivors in experiencing growth in the wake of disaster.