The Foundations of Posttraumatic Growth: New Considerations

In response to comments on our nodel ofposttraumatic growth, we consider the valid ity of reports of posttraumatic growth, appropriate methodology to use to assess posttraumatic growth, and its relation with other variables that appear to bear a re semblance to posttraumatic growth (e.g., well-being and psychological adjustment). The potentially important role of proximate and distal cultural factors is also ad dressed. Clinicians are encouraged to use interventions thatfacilitate posttraumatic growth with care, so as not to create expectations for posttraumatic growth in all traunma survivors, and to instead promote a respectfor the difficulty of trauma recov ery while allowing for the exploration ofpossibilities for various kinds of growth even in those who have suffered greatly.