What Is Post-Traumatic Growth?

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a positive and ongoing inner change after trauma or a highly distressing situation. PTG can occur simultaneously with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One does not negate or invalidate the other.

PTG can positively change your outlook on life and place you on a more bright, resilient path. This offers hope to those who may feel discouraged by what they’ve gone through and how it affects their place in the world. 

Stages of Post-Traumatic Growth

You likely won’t feel positive changes immediately after a traumatic event. Most who do recognize PTG notice it after they’ve put space between their trauma¹ and had some time to heal, which is part of the 5 stages of PTG. 

1. Crisis or Trauma

A singular traumatic event or recurrent trauma prime you for post-traumatic growth. Though the experience will likely cause distress, it’s a necessary aspect of PTG. 

A variety of traumas can eventually connect to PTG. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as²

• Physical or emotional harm
• Any threat to your life

Traumatic situations will impact your mental, physical, and emotional health. A non-exclusive list of trauma examples include

• War
• Car accidents
• Natural disasters
• Sexual assault (call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788 to reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline)
• Childhood abuse

2. Growth Awareness

Reflecting on how you’ve changed since your trauma can prompt post-traumatic growth. You may not gravitate towards reflection naturally, especially if your memories still cause pain. A therapist, spouse, or friend may notice it first. 

You may sit on this awareness for days, weeks, or months. Even if you don’t act on the awareness right away, realizing you’ve grown from something terrible can offer encouragement and hope.

3. Growth Exploration

Next, you can see where you’ve grown. You may identify your growth by yourself, with a therapist, or a loved one. You can take a deeper look at the areas you’ve grown in and find encouragement from the positive changes.

For example, you may notice you’ve become more sure of yourself and your identity¹. Or, you may notice you have a greater appreciation for your life and your loved ones. You may also be more aware of what you want out of life. 

4. Developing New Beliefs

Your trauma may have left you with negative beliefs about yourself and the world. As you heal, your beliefs may change—maybe without you noticing. When you become aware of your growth and explore it, you can also see what beliefs align with your new growth. 

For example, you may believe you’re more equipped to handle hardships because you’ve survived one and grown. This can reinforce your self-efficacy. 

5. Integration of Growth

Once you’ve become aware of your growth, explored it, and developed new beliefs based upon it, you can then integrate your growth into your daily life. Your growth may make you more confident, more empathetic, and more resilient. Those qualities may direct you to a new line of work, a volunteering opportunity, or creative outlet.

You may feel drawn to supporting others. With your strengths and insights, you could help others in similar situations and inspire hope. While that’s in no way a requirement, some trauma survivors feel highly fulfilled doing so.  

Signs of Post-Traumatic Growth

You can look for the signs of PTG³ in yourself and those you love.

Valuing Life More Than Before

Getting through a crisis or traumatic experience can make you value the life you have, especially if your trauma was life-threatening. Or, you may simply feel grateful for positive experiences after enduring such negativity. 

For example, if you survived a car crash, you may feel more thankful for your life and what you can make of it. 

Easier to Relate to Others

Trauma survivors sometimes develop a “sixth-sense”, where they become more attuned to the emotions and behaviors of others. Their experiences can help them relate to others⁴ and develop a strong sense of empathy. 

A Change in Priorities

A change in priorities is a strong sign of post-traumatic growth⁴. For example, you may unwaveringly prioritize family time after a traumatic event. 

In another example, a traumatic experience may awaken you to your true passions. Perhaps you suddenly realize your corporate job can’t compare to the fulfillment of painting. As you experience PTG, you may pursue a painting career to prioritize fulfillment. 

Increased Self-Confidence

Post-traumatic growth typically involves an increase in your personal strength¹ and self-confidence. Those with PTG are more confident in their abilities to overcome challenges and make difficult decisions.