We’ve all heard of post-traumatic stress, which is generally used to describe feelings of anxiety and fear following a frightening or life-threatening experience, such as receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment. However, such experiences can also cause a positive life change or a period of improvement. In fact, some studies suggest that reports of growth following a traumatic event are more common than reports of psychiatric disorders taking place from the experience.

A new term—“post-traumatic growth”—has emerged to describe this phenomenon. Although the term may be relatively new, the concept that suffering can be a source of positive change has deep roots in the history of many philosophies and traditions.

Researchers note that post-traumatic growth should not be confused with resilience. Resilience describes patients "bouncing back" or returning to their previous levels of functioning, whereas post-traumatic growth refers to a personal gain of some kind.

Types of post-traumatic growth

The lessons learned through the process of coping with the challenging situation can translate into personal growth that is typically expressed in a number of ways:

• Improved interpersonal relationships: Experiencing increased feelings of closeness or intimacy with family or friends
  
  
• New life experiences: Making a change in career, overcoming a fear, or accomplishing a life goal
  
  
• A greater appreciation for life: Having increased awareness about your position in the world or new sense of vulnerability to death that changes how you live each day
  
  
• A sense of personal strength: Finding increased psychological rigor, resilience, or sense of empowerment
  
  
• Spiritual development: Gaining an increased interest in practicing religion or integrating spirituality into daily life

It should also be noted that experiencing post-traumatic growth does not necessarily mean that the person has overcome the stressor. In fact, most people who report post-traumatic growth also report simultaneously experiencing struggles with their trauma. This phenomenon is described by experts as "suffering meaningfully."

Post-traumatic growth, like post-traumatic stress, is by no means universal. Research suggests there are some factors that make patients more likely to experience post-traumatic growth. These include an ability to confront trauma and focus on new experiences, a support network that encourages personal growth, and individual coping strategies that help the person adapt to new challenges.

Facilitating post-traumatic growth

To help encourage post-traumatic growth in your life in response to a difficult life experience, consider the following recommendations:

Find ways to minimize tension and anxiety: Make time to reduce your anxiety by using relaxation techniques, engaging in recreation, or talking to supportive friends or a counselor.

Reflection: You may consider journaling or talking with a friend as a way to process your memories of the trauma and make sense of the experience.

Restore a sense of safety: To feel less vulnerable, some people may need to speak with a professional trained in mental health, while others may find solace talking to a chaplain or spending time in nature and solitude. Seek the support of others; engaging with a network of other survivors of similar experiences can help you regain a sense of safety and/or perceive your cancer experience in a different light. Learn more about support groups.

Create a post-trauma life vision: Think through what you have learned from this experience and how it affects your strategy for living more fully.

More Information

Anxiety

Coping

How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help

Post-Traumatic Stress and Cancer

Additional Resources

UNC Charlotte Psychology Department: Posttraumatic Growth

National Cancer Institute: Finding Meaning After Cancer Treatment

Last Updated: April 18, 2011