General public definition
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is currently not listed as a diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR or ICD-11.
- PTG refers to the positive personal changes that may result from a person’s struggle to manage the consequences of being exposed to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events.
- The positive personal changes of PTG may include a new appreciation for life and future possibilities, a newfound sense of personal strength, improved relationships with others (e.g. a new focus on helping others), and spiritual or existential change.
- PTG is not merely bouncing back to pre-trauma levels of functioning, but includes positive growth beyond pre-trauma levels of functioning and well-being.
Academic definition
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is currently not listed as a diagnosis in either the DSM-5-TR or the ICD-11.
- PTG refers to positive personal changes that may result from an individual working to cope with the psychological consequences of exposure to one or more potentially psychologically traumatic events.
- Major dimensions of PTG include enhancement of relationships (e.g. increased empathy, humility, and altruism); changes in self-perception (e.g. of personal resiliency, strength); increased acceptance of vulnerability and limitations; changes in life philosophy (e.g. re-evaluating what’s important); and spiritual or existential change.56,57
- PTG is not merely reverting to pre-trauma levels of functioning, but experiencing positive growth beyond those pre-trauma levels of functioning.
- PTG and posttraumatic stress can occur simultaneously.
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