Search

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) among people living with HIV (PLWH) remains an understudied and controversial topic, and several research gaps need to be filled. In our study, we focused on one such gap by implementing parallel assessment of positive (PTG) and negative changes (posttraumatic depreciation [PTD]) following trauma related to HIV diagnosis, along with measurement of resilience and HIV/AIDS stigma and socio-medical data. The study sample comprised 509 PLWH, which completed the standardized psychometric inventories measuring the study variables. The results showed an unexpected positive relationship between PTG and PTD among participants. In addition, following the person-centered approach, we observed specific PTG/PTD clusters in the study sample with different resilience and HIV/AIDS stigma levels. Our study may shed some light on understanding PTG/PTD processes among PLWH and inspire planning for effective psychological help adjusted to patients' specific needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the intraindividual variability in daily posttraumatic growth (PTG) versus posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), positive and negative affect (PA and NA), and HIV/AIDS stigma among people living with HIV (PLWH). In particular, we examined whether this variability derives from participants' resilience operationalized on a trait level. The participants included 67 PLWH, who completed a baseline questionnaire on resilience, measured with the Brief Resilience Scale. Following this, they completed the shortened versions of the following inventories over five consecutive days: the Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation Inventory V Expanded version Inventory, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Expanded Form, and the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was utilized to analyze the study results. We observed significant intraindividual variability in PTG, PTD, PA, NA, and perceived HIV/AIDS stigma. Resilience was related to PTG, PTD, PA, and NA but not to stigma. Moreover, higher resilience was associated with higher, stabler PA and lower, stabler NA. Our results highlight the need of further studies on the daily functioning of PLWH. Specifically, while health status is important, it does not appear to be the predominant source of everyday distress for PLWH. Consequently, psychological counselling for PLWH should concentrate more on the life of the person as a whole and not only on coping with HIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD) are considered two sides of growth after trauma. Nevertheless, previous studies pointed out that in trauma living with a life-threatening illness, they may be experienced as two independently and share distinct predictors. In our study we aimed to find the different trajectories of PTG and PTD among a sample of people living with HIV (PLWH) and to investigate its predictors out of psychological resilience, and gain and loss of resources from the conservation of resources theory (COR). Methods: We designed a longitudinal study that consisted of three measurements at 6-month intervals, and we recruited, respectively, 87, 85 and 71 PLWH. Each time participants filled out the following questionnaires: the expanded version of the PTG and PTD Inventory (PTGDI-X), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), the Conservation of Resources Evaluation (COR-E), and a survey on sociodemographic and medical data. Results: We observed two separate trajectories of PTG and PTD within participants and found that each of the trajectories were related to different predictors from the studied variables. More specifically, we found a positive relationship between resilience and a descending PTD trajectory that stabilized over time. Gain of resources generally predicted a PTG trajectory, while loss of resources predicted the dynamics of PTD. Conclusions: Including two parallel constructs, i.e., PTG and PTD, confirmed the independence of their mechanisms in growth processes among PLWH. The initial insight concerning the role of resilience and resources in PTG/PTD processes may inspire more effective planning for psychological help for PLWH, and it may stimulate studies on growth after trauma to further examine the two sides of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the association between social support dimensions and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of arthritis patients. In particular, we wanted to verify the mediating role of resources, as described by the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, on the aforementioned relationship. A total of 207 patients with a clinical diagnosis of arthritis were recruited to participate in the study, including 149 females and 58 males. This was a cross-sectional study, with PTG evaluated by the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and social support assessed via the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). To assess the level of subjectively possessed resources among participants, we used the COR evaluation questionnaire (COR-E). Provided support, but not received support, was positively related to the level of PTG among participants. In addition, the level of spiritual resources mediated the aforementioned relationship. The results of this contribute to the literature on the psychological aspects of arthritis. It seems that providing support may be related to positive consequences among arthritis patients, in the form of PTG, with spiritual resources being of significant value in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

background This study assessed the relation between social support dimensions and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among a sample of gastrointestinal cancer patients. Particular focus was placed on the mediating role of resources based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory and its effect on the previously mentioned association. participants and procedure A total of 190 patients comprising 87 females and 103 males with a clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer were recruited to participate in this study. This was a crosssectional study, with social support evaluated by the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). The participants' levels of subjectively possessed resources were assessed by the Conservation of Resources Evaluation (COR-E) questionnaire. Posttraumatic growth was evaluated by the Post- Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). results No direct relation was found between social support and PTG among participants. However, a mediating role of subjectively possessed resources was detected through the COR theory on the aforementioned relationship, i.e. the link between social support and PTG. More specifically, the level of economic and political resources was a mediator in the relation. conclusions These results contribute to extant literature on the psychological aspects of gastrointestinal cancer. Evidently, social support may be related to positive outcomes among gastrointestinal cancer patients in the form of PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttraumatic growth (PTG), and its negative reflection, posttraumatic depreciation (PTD), are two aspects of response to trauma. This study explores whether daily emotional dynamics (inertia and innovation) can translate into positive versus negative changes among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the form of long-term changes in PTG or PTD. The study combined a classical longitudinal approach with two assessments of PTG and PTD within one year and a measurement burst diary design with three weekly electronic diaries. In total, 249 PLWH participated in this study, filling out an expanded version of the Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory (PTGDI-X) and a survey of sociodemographic and clinical data. In addition, they assessed their positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) at the end of each day in online diaries using a shortened version of the PANAS-X. Although we observed stable significant inertia and innovation of PA and NA across all bursts, these parameters of daily emotional dynamics were unrelated to the longitudinal changes in PTG and PTD. The same null results were also noted for the average levels of NA and PA. The results indicated the relative stability of emotion regulation in PLWH over the course of one year and contributed to understanding its dynamic mechanisms in terms of trait-like characteristics. The null result of the relationship between the PTG and PTD change might suggest a weak role of emotion regulation in shaping these trajectories as well as a lack of validity of the PTG/PTD measures. • Posttraumatic growth (PTG) and depreciation (PTD) need advanced study methodology. • People living with HIV (PLWH) could benefit from understanding PTG/PTD mechanisms. • Interpersonal differences in emotional dynamics could explain changes in PTG/PTD. • Daily emotional dynamics are unrelated to longitudinal changes in PTG/PTD in PLWH. • Emotion regulation plays a weak role in PTG/PTD, and its measures lack validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to analyse, synthesise and review existing results on posttraumatic growth (PTG) among PLWH. In particular, we investigated the relationship of PTG with sociodemographic, HIV-related clinical variables, positive and negative psychological correlates as well as HIV-related social issues among PLWH.Method: A literature search was performed on Web of Science, PsyARTICLES, MedLine, Proquest and Scopus databases using appropriate descriptors for positive changes among PLWH. Articles were analysed by title, abstract, and full text.Results: We accepted a set of 24 articles for systematic review and analysis. Consistent findings were obtained with respect to the positive association between psychological and social correlates (optimism, resilience, positive reappraisal coping, positive affect, self-efficacy and social support) and PTG among PLWH. PTG was also negatively related to various aspects of HIV-related distress (depression, substance use, PTSD symptoms, HIV stigma). On the contrary, sociodemographic and especially HIV-related clinical variables were mostly unrelated to PTG among PLWH.Conclusions: The self-reported PTG among PLWH may be related to psychological variables rather than to objective characteristics of HIV infection itself. Nevertheless, several aspects of research on PTG among PLWH require modification, both theoretically and methodologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this one-year longitudinal study was to examine the temporal relationship between the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and affective well-being, measured by the presence of positive and negative affect among people living with the HIV (PLWH). In addition, the moderating effects of received and provided support with respect to the above-mentioned relationship were investigated. Method: Study participants completed the following psychometric inventories: the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-X), and the Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS). Three assessments were performed: 129 patients were recruited for the first assessment, 106 patients agreed to participate in the second assessment, and 82 of the initial 129 participants (63.6%) participated in all three assessments. Results: An indirect association between PTG and positive affect was observed. However, no association was found between PTG and negative affect. Received support, but not provided support, completely moderated the relationship between PTG and positive affect. Conclusions: This study adds to the literature by examining the temporal relationship between PTG and affective-wellbeing among PLWH. It appears from the results that in this patient group, PTG may enhance the positive affect over time. However, receiving support is vital in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its relationship to the level of stress coping strategies, spirituality and social support among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 250). The level of PTG was measured by the Polish adaptation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Stress coping strategies were evaluated by the Polish adaptation of the Mini-COPE Inventory. Spirituality was measured by the Self-Description Questionnaire. Social support was assessed with the Berlin Social Support Scales. Stress coping strategies (return to religion, acceptance), spirituality and social support (need for support) were significantly related to the level of PTG among participants. Despite evidence of a beneficial relationship between PTG and the course of RA, little empirical attention has been paid to the factors associated with PTG among this patient group. Given the substantial health-related benefits associated with PTG among RA patients, it is important to further explore the phenomena of PTG among RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Supplementary Information 1 file that accompanies the original Article has now been corrected. Correction to: I Scientific Reports i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28187-x, published online 16 January 2023 The original version of this Article contained an error, where the incorrect file was provided as the Supplementary Information 1 file. [Extracted from the article]

The main goal of the current study was to investigate gender differences in the relationship between the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) and the intensity of posttraumatic growth (PTG), treated as the explained variable, among a Polish sample of HIV-positive individuals (n = 250) while controlling for participants’ ages and time since HIV diagnosis. The level of PTG was measured using the Polish adaptation of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The level of PTSSs was assessed using the PTSD Factorial Version Inventory. HIV-positive women scored higher for some PTSSs (intrusion/arousal) and for a particular PTG dimension (spiritual change). In addition, the PTSSs that occurred were negatively related to the PTG level but only among HIV-positive women. Given the important health-related benefits associated with PTG among HIV-positive people, it is vital to shape competencies for effective growth promotion among these individuals, taking into account gender differences within this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Psychological research in people living with HIV (PLWH) has been dominated by studies on the negative consequences of HIV infection. However, recently, positive changes following the diagnosis of HIV have been examined, namely the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Objectives: The aim of this one-year longitudinal study was to investigate the level of PTG and its relationship with social support dimensions (perceived support, need for support, actually received support) and positive and negative affect among PLWH. Specifically, this study explored the mediating role of positive and negative affect in the link between social support and PTG. Method:Participants filled out the following psychometric tools: Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS-X). Three assessments were performed. Altogether, 129 patients were recruited for the first assessment, 106 patients participated in the second assessment and 82 participants (63.6%) out of the initial sample of 129 participated in all three assessments. Results: The positive relationship between all examined social support dimensions and PTG was entirely mediated by positive affect. There was no association between negative affect and PTG. Selected socio-medical covariates (sex, employment, higher education, being in a stable relationship and HIV/AIDS status) were related to social support and PTG among participants. Conclusions: This study points to the need for more research on positive aspects of HIV/AIDS, notably PTG. More specifically, interventions focused on enhancement and sustainment of positive affect among PLWH should be an adjunct to traditional mental health screening among this patient group. Planteamiento:La investigación psicológica en personas que viven con VIH (PLWH, siglas en inglés depeople living with HIV) ha estado dominada por estudios sobre las consecuencias negativas de la infección por VIH. Sin embargo, recientemente también se han examinado los cambios positivos después del diagnóstico de VIH, a saber, el fenómeno de crecimiento postraumático (CPT). Objetivos:El objetivo de este estudio longitudinal de un año fue investigar el nivel de CPT y su relación con las dimensiones de apoyo social (apoyo percibido, necesidad de apoyo, apoyo realmente recibido) y afecto positivo y negativo entre las PLWH. Específicamente, este estudio exploró el papel mediador de la emoción positiva y negativa en el vínculo entre el apoyo social y el CPT. Método:Los participantes completaron las siguientes herramientas psicométricas: el Inventario de Crecimiento Postraumático (PTGI, siglas en inglés dePosttraumatic Growth Inventory), las Escalas de Apoyo Social de Berlín (BSSS, siglas en inglés deBerlin Social Support Scales) y el Programa de Afecto Positivo y Negativo (PANAS-X, siglas en inglés dePositive and Negative Affect Schedule). Se realizaron tres evaluaciones. En total, se reclutaron 129 pacientes para la primera evaluación, 106 pacientes participaron en la segunda evaluación y 82 participantes (63,6%) de la muestra inicial de 129 participaron en las tres evaluaciones. Resultados:La relación positiva entre todas las dimensiones de apoyo social examinadas y el CPT estuvo completamente mediada por la emoción positiva. No hubo asociación entre emoción negativa y CPT. Las covariantes socio-médicas seleccionadas (sexo, empleo, educación superior, estar en una relación estable y el estado de VIH/SIDA) se relacionaron con el apoyo social y el CPT entre los participantes. Conclusiones:Este estudio señala la necesidad de más investigación sobre los aspectos positivos del VIH/SIDA, en particular, el CPT. Más concretamente, las intervenciones centradas en la mejora y el mantenimiento de la emoción positiva entre las PLWH deberían ser un complemento de las evaluaciones de salud mental tradicionales en este grupo de pacientes. 背景：关于HIV携带者 (PLWH) 的心理研究一直重点关注负面后果。不过，最近研究同时也考察了诊断出HIV 之后的积极改变，即创伤后成长 (PTG) 的现象。 目标：这个长达一年的追踪研究旨在考察PLWH 群体中，PTG 水平及其与社会支持维度(知觉到的支持、对支持的需要、实际支持) 以及积极、消极情感之间的关系。本研究尤其探索了积极和消极情感在社会支持和PTG 之间的中介作用。 方法：被试填写了一下的心理测量工具：创伤后成长问卷（PTGI）、柏林社会支持量表 (BSSS) 和积极消极情感量表（PANAS-X）。一共进行三次测量，第一次有129名被试，第二次106名，有82名（63.6%）全部参加了三次施测。 结果：社会支持的所有维度和PTG 之间正相关都被积极情感中介了。负性情感和PTG 之间没有关联。选出的社会-医学协变量（性别、就业、高教育水平、稳定关系和HIV/AIDS 状况）都和社会支持以及PTG 相关。 结论：本研究指出需要更多的关注HIV/AIDS 的积极情感的研究，特别是PTG。更具体的，着重于增加和保持PLWH积极情感的干预方法应该附加在传统的对这个病人群体的心理健康筛查中。 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]