Prediction of post-traumatic growth in the face of the COVID-19 crisis based on resilience, post-traumatic stress and social participation: A longitudinal study

The COVID-19 crisis has generated a severe and negative psychological impact worldwide. Despite this, it is also possible to experience post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study aimed to longitudinally explore the prevalence of PTG in the Spanish population and test a predictive model for PTG from resilience, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and participation in social activities. Data were collected longitudinally in March, July, and November 2020 via an online survey. About 20% of the sample showed moderate-high levels of PTG, with no significant differences over time. The predictive model explained 19% of the variance in PTG, showing that the inverse relation between resilience and PTG was mediated by PTSS. Additionally, participation in social activities acted as a predictor of PTG. Women, young people, those who had lost their job and people who had experienced COVID-19 symptoms or the loss of a loved one presented higher PTG. Thus, people have experienced positive changes (PTG), but these did not protect them from adverse symptomatology (PTSS).

Automated summary

The COVID-19 crisis has had a negative psychological impact globally, but some individuals have also experienced post-traumatic growth (PTG). This study longitudinally explored PTG prevalence in the Spanish population, and tested a predictive model for PTG using resilience, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), and participation in social activities. The results showed that about 20% of the sample had moderate-high levels of PTG, with no significant differences over time. The predictive model explained 19% of the variance in PTG, demonstrating that the relationship between resilience and PTG was mediated by PTSS. Additionally, participation in social activities predicted PTG. Women, young people, those who had lost their job, and people who had experienced COVID-19 symptoms or the loss of a loved one exhibited higher PTG.