Trajectories of posttraumatic growth identified from person-centered analyses: A systematic review

Abstract

Struggling with a highly stressful or traumatic event can lead to the development of posttraumatic growth (PTG); yet this construct lacks a theoretical consensus. The Janus-Face model incorporates two forms of perceived PTG, constructive and illusory. To examine clinical heterogeneity in PTG, this systematic review aims to identify measurement of illusory PTG, growth trajectories from person-centered analyses, variations by event type, and transitions over time. A search for studies published between 1996 and 2023 was carried out using four databases (PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Of the eighteen studies included, eight considered real and illusory PTG, evaluating them indirectly through various measures: PTG, coping, functioning, or distress. Fifteen studies conducted with adults and three with children named PTG trajectories according to the evolution of the level of growth (stable, increasing, decreasing PTG) or according to characteristics such as PTG levels, distress, coping, resources (constructive, illusory, distressed, struggling, resistant PTG). Trajectory inclusion of high or increasing PTG is determined by factors such as sociodemographic variables, perceived distress, active coping, or social support. Trajectories varied by event type and sample, with chronically ill patients showing complex patterns while earthquake-surviving children mostly high PTG. Additionally, trajectory transitions were observed less than two years post-event. The results suggest that perceived growth can take multiple forms that evolve over time. Developing this type of study by integrating different events and additional processes would improve understanding of perceived PTG and provide insight for adaptive interventions.