Is Growth Possible in Emerging Adults Exposed to Complex Trauma?: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Several previous systematic literature reviews on psychological growth following trauma are available but fail to target emerging adult complex trauma survivors. The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analyses concerning growth-related psychological constructs among emerging adult survivors of complex trauma. Eight major databases were searched. We obtained 18 selectable articles (89% conducted in the US). The results concluded that growth is possible. Generally, it is stimulated by more complex trauma and can be distinguished according to trauma types. The growth is also generally stimulated by the challenges of new roles and mainly involves intrapersonal dynamics. Furthermore, interpersonal processes have not always supported the growth; there are even times when they hindered. Not a few survivors have grown with psychological distress or disorder, problems or conflicts. They have been flexible in using coping strategies. We generated a weighted mean of complex trauma of 2.83, posttraumatic growth above the hypothetical mean score, and a low positive weighted correlation between the two (14.1%). Implications and cautions for future studies and practices are discussed.