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Positive Effects of Stressful Life Events: Psychological Growth Following Divorce

Graff-Reed, Robin L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1090438043

Abstract Details

2004, Doctor of Philosophy, Miami University, Psychology.
The purpose of this study was to a) validate and compare single and multi-factor models of the posttraumatic psychological growth construct, b) clarify the relationship between post-divorce adjustment and posttraumatic psychological growth, and c) examine the effects of social support and coping styles on post-divorce adjustment and posttraumatic psychological growth, including gender differences. One hundred-forty participants completed questionnaires measuring demographic variables as well as appraised stress, perceived social support, coping styles, adjustment to divorce, and posttraumatic psychological growth. Factor analyses confirmed the multi-dimensional structure of the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) and the uni-dimensional structure of the Stress-Related Growth Scale (Park, Cohen & Murch, 1996). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the contributions of factors to the prediction of successful post-divorce adjustment and posttraumatic growth. Gender, education level, emotional stability, agreement with the custody decision, and perceived social support predicted both dependent measures. Appraised stress and coping style also predicted divorce adjustment. The number of years since the divorce and counseling related to divorce moderated the effect of appraised stress on divorce adjustment. A new relationship moderated the effect of appraised stress on posttraumatic growth. Perceived social support mediated the effect of independent variables on both dependent variables. Women reported higher levels of perceived social support than men, and also reported higher levels of posttraumatic growth following divorce. Domains of post-divorce adjustment and posttraumatic psychological growth were compared and a model of adjustment and growth is proposed. Implications for further research on posttraumatic growth and post-divorce adjustment are discussed. Understanding the complex interactions between the individual, social, and divorce characteristics that influence post-divorce adjustment and subsequent posttraumatic growth may enhance clinicians’ interventions with this population. Continued research in the area of posttraumatic psychological growth will shed important light on the origins, development, and maintenance of mental throughout the lifespan.
Karen Schilling (Advisor)
119 p.
Posttraumatic Growth; Stress-Related Growth; Divorce Adjustment

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Graff-Reed, R. L. (2004). Positive Effects of Stressful Life Events: Psychological Growth Following Divorce [Doctoral dissertation, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1090438043

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Graff-Reed, Robin. Positive Effects of Stressful Life Events: Psychological Growth Following Divorce. 2004. Miami University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1090438043.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Graff-Reed, Robin. "Positive Effects of Stressful Life Events: Psychological Growth Following Divorce." Doctoral dissertation, Miami University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1090438043

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1090438043
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© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.