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Background <p>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.</p> Methods <p>We utilised a longitudinal qualitative design, following a purposive sample of 26 psychology graduates (23 women, 3 men; age <i>M</i> = 34.42, <i>SD</i> = 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.</p> Results <p>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.</p> Conclusions <p>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.</p>

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

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月21日

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  • Mariusz Zięba,
  • Katarzyna Wiecheć,
  • Joanna Szablewska

摘要

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.