An affective–cognitive processing model of post-traumatic growth.
Abstract
A topic that has begun to attract interest from clinical psychologists and psychotherapists is post‐traumatic growth. First, we provide a general overview of the field, setting out the historical development, main concepts, measurement issues and research findings. Second, we review evidence showing that the relationship between post‐traumatic stress and post‐traumatic growth is likely curvilinear. Third, a new affective–cognitive processing model of post‐traumatic growth will be introduced in which post‐traumatic stress is understood to be the engine of post‐traumatic growth. Fourth, points of clinical intervention are described showing the ways in which therapists can facilitate post‐traumatic growth. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message No one approach to the treatment of trauma is able to help all people all of the time. Post‐traumatic growth emerges out of satisfactory affective–cognitive processing. A common‐factor approach that recognizes that there are many points of therapeutic intervention is described.
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To promote such intentional rumination, it is important to control intense and negative emotions related to trauma, and emotion regulation strategies such as seeking social support and mindfulness exercises can be effective alternatives.
“To promote such intentional rumination, it is important to control intense and negative emotions related to trauma, and emotion regulation strategies such as seeking social support and mindfulness exercises can be effective alternatives (43, 44).”
From How do children with Tourette’s syndrome and their caregivers live with the disorder? A systematic review of qualitative evidence (2022) · cites this paper as [43]
These coping strategies are effective emotion regulation methods and can be a personal strength and source of growth.
“These coping strategies are effective emotion regulation methods and can be a personal strength and source of growth (43, 44).”
From How do children with Tourette’s syndrome and their caregivers live with the disorder? A systematic review of qualitative evidence (2022) · cites this paper as [43]
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“Whilst I could have hypothesized how the impact of adverse childhood experiences on his attachment, self-beliefs, and emotional regulation predisposed Robert to anxiety (Joseph et al., 2012b), I would have put myself in the role of the expert, objectifying the client’s difficulties.”
Background
- Authors
- Joseph, S., Murphy, D., & Regel, S.
- Affiliations
- University of Nottingham (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Joseph, Stephen
- Venue
- Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2012-05-21
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 316-325
- ISSN
- 1063-3995 (ISSN-L)
- 1099-0879
- OpenAlex
- W2103839370
- Cited by
- 270
- References
- 46
- Citations by year
- 2026: 16 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 22 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 17 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 21 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 15.21
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
- Keywords
- posttraumatic growth, post-traumatic stress, curvilinear relationship, trauma treatment, therapeutic interventions
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Affect, Awareness, Cognition, Humans, Life Change Events, Models, Psychological, Motivation, Problem Solving, Self Concept, Social Support, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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