The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
Six-Year Longitudinal Predictors of Posttraumatic Growth in Parentally Bereaved Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors:
Wolchik, Sharlene A.
Coxe, Stephany
Sandler, Irwin
Ayers, Tim S.
Source:
Omega: 2008-2009, 58(2), pp. 107-128.
Summary
This article summarizes the results of a longitudinal study designed to identify variables predicting posttraumatic growth in adolescents and young adults who had experienced the death of a parent. The researchers measured a variety of factors related to demographics, appraisal, coping processes, mental health, and social adaptation at nine months after the death of the parent. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was used six years after the death to measure five factors: New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual, and Appreciation of Life. When controlling for time since death, the variables found to be significant predictors of posttraumatic growth six years after the death were: threat appraisals, active coping, avoidant coping, seeking support from parents or guardians, and seeking support from other adults.
Key Words: growth, posttrauma, adolescent, adult, social, adapt, cope, avoidant
Service Provider Implications
Service providers may benefit from understanding that certain variables such as active and avoidant coping and seeking help from parents and other adults help to predict levels of posttraumatic growth for adolescents six years after the death of a parent.
