Real Versus Illusory Personal Growth in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Stressors
TAGS: pandemics, covid-19 ·Authored By: Gordon J.G. Asmundson, Michelle M. Paluszek, and Steven Taylor
The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with immense turmoil and identified as a trigger for emotional distress. Research suggests that there may be a relationship between the experience of COVID-19 related stressors and reports of posttraumatic growth stemming from the pandemic but many studies have failed to consider whether the nature of the reported growth is real or a mask for avoidant coping. We surveyed over 800 adults from Canada and the United States who indicated having experienced high levels of COVID-related stress. The findings showed that approximately 77% of participants believed to have experienced moderate to high growth in at least one facet of their life due to the pandemic. Participants most commonly reported changes in appreciation for healthcare workers, their own lives, and loved ones. Two types of posttraumatic growth were discovered: 1) illusory growth, characterized by individuals who experienced higher levels of disability and substance use alongside high growth, and 2) real posttraumatic growth. The results of this study support the need for greater awareness on the impact of the pandemic on personal growth trajectories and informs how to better support the resiliency of those living during a pandemic to improve wellbeing.
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