The coexistence and trajectories of posttraumatic growth and depreciation: a 36-month longitudinal qualitative narrative analysis
The coexistence and trajectories of posttraumatic growth and depreciation: a 36-month longitudinal qualitative narrative analysis
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Zięba, Mariusz
Wiecheć, Katarzyna
Szablewska, Joanna
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2026-05-21
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BMC Psychology
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2050-7283
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2026-06-03
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Background: Research into posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD) has predominantly relied on cross-sectional quantitative designs, often overlooking the subjective nuances and temporal dynamics of adaptation. This study aimed to explore the long-term evolution of perceived posttraumatic outcomes and identify emergent domains of change that transcend traditional theoretical models.
Methods: We utilised a longitudinal qualitative design, following a purposive sample of 26 psychology graduates (23 women, 3 men; age M = 34.42, SD = 9.10) over a 36-month interval. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews at two time points: T1 (within 12 months of a seismic life event) and T2 (36 months later). Reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was employed, integrating deductive theory-driven coding based on established models with the inductive discovery of emergent themes to map individual trajectories of change.
Results: Posttraumatic adaptation was characterised by a shift toward narrative complexity, with PTG and PTD coexistence increasing from 42.3% at T1 to 61.5% at T2. Core findings include the identification of emergent domains—Self-Alignment and Autonomous Regulation (growth) and Existential Vulnerability and Insecurity (depreciation)—which were present in over 70% of narratives. We identified four distinct longitudinal trajectories: Persistence, Transience, Latent Impact, and Emergence of Complexity. A dominant pattern was ‘Increased Strength at a Relational Cost,’ where personal empowerment coexisted with an enduring loss of interpersonal trust.
Conclusions: Posttraumatic adaptation is a non-linear, ongoing process of narrative reconstruction that continues long after the initial crisis. The results underscore the limitations of cross-sectional snapshots and traditional inventories, highlighting the need for longitudinal monitoring to distinguish transient coping from permanent personality transformation. Clinically, the findings suggest that fostering authenticity and self-alignment may be vital for long-term recovery.
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Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Posttraumatic growth
Posttraumatic depreciation
Longitudinal qualitative research
Reflexive thematic analysis
Narrative identity
Seismic events
Posttraumatic depreciation
Longitudinal qualitative research
Reflexive thematic analysis
Narrative identity
Seismic events
Keywords other
Sustainable Development Goals
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Poszukiwanie znaczenia i sensu życia oraz wzrost osobowy w następstwie traumy: badania prospektywne
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