Exploring Posttraumatic Growth in Children Impacted by Hurricane Katrina: Correlates of the Phenomenon and Developmental Considerations

To authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01463.x Byline: Ryan P. Kilmer (1), Virginia Gil-Rivas (1) Abstract: This study explored posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive change resulting from struggling with trauma, among 7- to 10-year-olds impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Analyses focused on child self-system functioning and cognitive processes, and the caregiving context, in predicting PTG at 2 time points (Time 1 n = 66, Time 2 n = 51). Findings suggest that rumination, both negative, distressing thoughts and constructive, repetitive thinking, plays an important role in PTG. Hypotheses regarding future expectations and perceived competence were not fully supported, and, unexpectedly, coping competency beliefs, realistic control attributions, and perceived caregiver warmth did not contribute to PTG models. With 1 exception (positive reframing coping advice), caregiver-reported variables did not relate to PTG; no caregiver variable reached significance in final models. Relevant theory, developmental considerations, and future directions are discussed. Author Affiliation: (1)University of North Carolina at Charlotte Article note: Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Ryan P. Kilmer, Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001. Electronic mail may be sent to rpkilmer@uncc.edu.