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Posttraumatic Growth and Optimism in Health-Related Trauma: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) research is an emerging area of empirical study, especially within the field of clinical health psychology. Much of the research in this area has thus far focused on determining the correlates and predictors of PTG. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between posttraumatic growth and dispositional optimism, specifically in relation to health traumas. Empirical studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed according to specific evaluation criteria. Results regarding the relationship between dispositional optimism and posttraumatic growth were found to be equivocal. A number of conceptual and methodological issues were identified and discussed in relation to the field of PTG research. Future directions for research are provided.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Thomas Cliffe for his valuable support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wallsend Health Centre, The Green, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, NE28 7PD, UK

    Lucy Bostock

  2. School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Ridley Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK

    Alia I. Sheikh

  3. Young People’s Transition Service, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3UR, UK

    Stephen Barton

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  1. Lucy Bostock
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  2. Alia I. Sheikh
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  3. Stephen Barton
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Correspondence to Alia I. Sheikh.

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Bostock, L., Sheikh, A.I. & Barton, S. Posttraumatic Growth and Optimism in Health-Related Trauma: A Systematic Review. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 16, 281–296 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-009-9175-6

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