Can guilt lead to psychological growth following trauma exposure?

Psychiatry Research
Sharon DekelGabriella Dishy

Abstract

With the growing interest in posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its predictors, this study examined the relationship between trauma-related guilt and PTG in a sample of veterans over time. Self-reported guilt, PTG, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were measured in combat veterans and prisoners of war (POWs). Positive correlations were found between guilt, PTSD, and PTG levels. Hierarchical regression revealed that initial guilt levels predicted subsequent PTG controlling for initial PTSD in combat veterans but not in POWs. The findings suggest that posttraumatic growth can be facilitated by trauma-related guilt, underscoring the complex relationship between positive and negative trauma outcomes.

References

Jul 1, 1987·Psychological Review·E T Higgins
Sep 7, 2006·Annual Review of Psychology·June Price TangneyDebra J Mashek
Jan 22, 2011·Journal of Clinical Psychology·Sharon DekelZahava Solomon
Apr 5, 2011·Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy·Eva Birrer, Tanja Michael

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