Article

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is "the subjective experience of positive
psychological change reported as a result of the struggle with trauma". Very few
studies have explored PTG after burn injury. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory
(PTGI) is a 21-item questionnaire which assesses five domains in which PTG has
been found. First, the aim of this study was to assess how PTG presented after a
severe burn, and second, whether it could be measured by the PTGI in Australian
burn survivors. METHODS:
A mixed method approach was used. Seventeen patients who
had a severe burn injury at least 2 years previously were interviewed and
completed the PTGI. The interviews were analyzed, then compared to the PTGI
responses. RESULTS: PTG in burn survivors had similarities to PTG arising from
other trauma. Burn-specific context such as heat intolerance and functional
problems influenced the type of changes made. Barriers to PTG in relationships
were related to guilt burden and visible scarring. CONCLUSION: PTG presents
similarly after burn to other trauma types, but has other features to consider
when devising intervention strategies. The PTGI is a 5-min screening tool that
adequately identifies the presence or absence of PTG in burn survivors in Western
Australia, and can guide intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: The
Posttraumatic Growth Inventory is a 5-min screening tool that adequately
identifies the degree of PTG in burn survivors in Western Australia. It is a
quick and easy tool to use to identify the need for clinical intervention. It
will also evaluate the effectiveness of strategies designed to target PTG. A mean
score of 2.5 can be used as a threshold to guide intervention strategy.
- Australie

Langue : ANGLAIS