The coexistence and trajectories of posttraumatic growth and depreciation: a 36-month longitudinal qualitative narrative analysis

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dc.abstract.enBackground: 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.
dc.affiliationInstytut Psychologii
dc.affiliationWydział Psychologii i Prawa w Poznaniu
dc.contributor.authorZięba, Mariusz
dc.contributor.authorWiecheć, Katarzyna
dc.contributor.authorSzablewska, Joanna
dc.date.access2026-06-03
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-03T09:18:26Z
dc.date.available2026-06-03T09:18:26Z
dc.date.created2026-05-04
dc.date.issued2026-05-21
dc.description.accesstimebefore_publication
dc.description.grantnumber2013/10/E/HS6/00502 (NCN)
dc.description.grantnumber57/2026/FRBN/A5
dc.description.granttitlePoszukiwanie znaczenia i sensu życia oraz wzrost osobowy w następstwie traumy: badania prospektywne
dc.description.sdgGoodHealthAndWellBeing
dc.description.versionfinal_author
dc.identifier.doi10.1186/s40359-026-04705-0
dc.identifier.issn2050-7283
dc.identifier.urihttps://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2382
dc.languageen
dc.pbn.affiliationpsychologia
dc.rightsCC-BY-NC-ND
dc.rights.questionYes_rights
dc.share.articleOPEN_JOURNAL
dc.subject.enPosttraumatic growth
dc.subject.enPosttraumatic depreciation
dc.subject.enLongitudinal qualitative research
dc.subject.enReflexive thematic analysis
dc.subject.enNarrative identity
dc.subject.enSeismic events
dc.swps.sciencecloudnosend
dc.titleThe coexistence and trajectories of posttraumatic growth and depreciation: a 36-month longitudinal qualitative narrative analysis
dc.title.journalBMC Psychology
dc.typeJournalArticle
dspace.entity.typeArticle