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Cited by 91Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchResilience and Mental HealthCancer survivorship and care

Vicarious posttraumatic growth: A systematic literature review

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Manning-Jones, Shekinah, de Terte, Ian, Stephens, Christine·2015·International Journal of Wellbeing
DOI 10.5502/ijw.v5i2.8
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Abstract

Twenty-eight articles are included in this review, which provides the first comprehensive review of the vicarious posttraumatic growth (VPTG) literature.Five domains are presented.First, assessment methods of VPTG are reviewed; seventeen studies assessed VPTG using a measure designed for use with direct trauma survivors, three used a non-validated measure, and the remaining eight used an open-ended question.Second, the level of similarity between reports of direct and vicarious posttraumatic growth is examined.VPTG was found to be highly similar to direct posttraumatic growth; however, subtle differences between the two were also identified along with manifestations of growth unique to VPTG.Third, a range of psychological, cognitive, behavioural, interpersonal, and external factors that have been implicated to facilitate VPTG are presented.Fourth, research exploring the relationship between VPTG and secondary traumatic stress is examined.Three possible explanations are presented: a positive linear association, no association, and a more complex curvilinear relationship.Finally, limitations to the current body of knowledge and areas for future research are explored.

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  • Through work with trauma, therapists increase their sensitivity, compassion, insight, tolerance, and empathy; they have greater appreciation for different spiritual paths, increased awareness of happiness and appreciation of life, and greater appreciation for the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

    “Dzięki pracy terapeuci zwiększają swoją wrażliwość, współczucie, wgląd, tolerancję iempatię. Mają większe uznanie dla różnych ścieżek duchowych, atakże zwiększoną świadomość szczęścia idoceniania życia. Zyskują również większe uznanie dla siły iodporności ludzkiego ducha.”

    From Does it only benefit the patient? Potentially positive impact of psychotherapy of traumatized people — on the therapist (2025) · cites this paper as [12]

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  • After trauma, a patient may have a greater sense of personal strength, whereas a therapist may feel strengthening of professional identity and competence at work.

    “Po doświadczeniu traumy pacjent może mieć większe poczucie siły osobistej, aterapeuta może odczuwać wzmocnienie swojej tożsamości zawodowej ikompetencji wpracy.”

    From Does it only benefit the patient? Potentially positive impact of psychotherapy of traumatized people — on the therapist (2025) · cites this paper as [12]

  • A 2015 review of studies showed that both post-traumatic growth (PTG) and vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG) include changes in relationships, spirituality, personal strength, values, and personal priorities.

    “Przeprowadzony w2015 r. przegląd badań [12] wykazał, że zarówno wzrost potraumatyczny (PTG), jak izastępczy wzrost potraumatyczny (VPTG) obejmuje zmiany wzwiązkach, duchowości, sile osobistej oraz wartościach iosobistych priorytetach.”

    From Does it only benefit the patient? Potentially positive impact of psychotherapy of traumatized people — on the therapist (2025) · cites this paper as [12]

  • Some studies show an association between VT and VPTG, others a curvilinear relationship, and still others no association.

    “Niektóre badania wskazują na związek między nimi [26], inne na relację krzywoliniową [23], ajeszcze inne na brak związku [12].”

    From Does it only benefit the patient? Potentially positive impact of psychotherapy of traumatized people — on the therapist (2025) · cites this paper as [12]

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Manning-Jones, S., de Terte, I., & Stephens, C.
Affiliations
Massey University (NZ)
Corresponding author
Manning-Jones, Shekinah
ORCID
Stephens, Christine
Venue
International Journal of Wellbeing
Publisher
International Journal of Wellbeing
Published
2015-06-20
Volume
5
Issue
2
Pages
125-139
ISSN
1179-8602 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.5502/ijw.v5i2.8
OpenAlex
W2149683802
Cited by
91
References
2
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 1
FWCI
0.53
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc-nd
Locations
International Journal of Wellbeing (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
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
vicarious posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic growth, secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, trauma survivors, interpersonal factors, curvilinear relationship

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