“I can do things now that people thought were impossible, actually, things that I thought were impossible”: A meta-synthesis of the qualitative findings on posttraumatic growth and severe physical injury.

Article

Kampman, H., Hefferon, K., Wilson, M. and Beale, J. 2015. “I can do things now that people thought were impossible, actually, things that I thought were impossible”: A meta-synthesis of the qualitative findings on posttraumatic growth and severe physical injury. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne. 56 (3), pp. 283-294. https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000031
AuthorsKampman, H., Hefferon, K., Wilson, M. and Beale, J.
Abstract

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to the transformative process that can lead to positive changes after
dealing with a traumatic event. Furthermore, different traumas have been found to lead to differing processes and outcomes from each other. This study is expanding on the Hefferon, Grealy, and Mutrie (2009) study in which they discovered that the PTG experience among people with life-threatening illnesses has unique, corporeal features. The experience of being severely injured has elements unique from other traumas due to its direct and substantial impact to the body. This investigation aims to advance the knowledge of the corporeal elements of PTG and PTG in general. This study reviewed and synthesized the qualitative data on the experience of PTG in people with severe physical injury. Thirteen journal articles—published before September 1, 2014, in PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, CINAHLPlus, and Academic Search Complete—were reviewed. Key themes included existential reflection, humanity, meaningful leisure engagement, and new abilities: awareness of physiological and psychological potential. Findings support that there are unique elements to the PTG experience in people with severe injuries. Additional research is needed to understand the trauma experiences among different injuries and the overall processes and outcomes of severe-injury-related trauma.

JournalCanadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne
Journal citation56 (3), pp. 283-294
ISSN0708-5591
Year2015
PublisherCanadian Psychological Association
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000031
Web address (URL)https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000031
Publication dates
Print01 Aug 2015
Publication process dates
Deposited24 Aug 2017
Copyright information© 2015 Canadian Psychological Association
Permalink -

https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/85520

Log in to edit

  • 296
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 4
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

A New Lens on Improving Physical Health with Psychological Interventions: A Systematic Review
Paddon, L. and Kampman, H. 2023. A New Lens on Improving Physical Health with Psychological Interventions: A Systematic Review. Journal of Happiness and Health. 3 (2), pp. 49-92. https://doi.org/10.47602/johah.v3i2.46
The Autistic Experience of Exercising within Nature-Based Environments: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
Bishop, C., Beale, J. and Bruce-Low, S. 2023. The Autistic Experience of Exercising within Nature-Based Environments: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Physical Activity and Health . 7 (1), pp. 115-131. https://doi.org/10.5334/paah.243
“A Little Superpower That I Know is There”: Exploring the Meaning and Role of Prāṇāyāma in the Wellbeing of Adults in Mid-life
Beauchamp, F. E. and Kampman, H. 2023. “A Little Superpower That I Know is There”: Exploring the Meaning and Role of Prāṇāyāma in the Wellbeing of Adults in Mid-life. American Journal of Qualitative Research. 7 (2), pp. 113-146. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/13080
Exploring the Experiences of Coaches Working on the Edge: Trauma, Posttraumatic Growth, and Coaching
Cooper-Dickson, R., Kampman, H. and Papworth, J. 2023. Exploring the Experiences of Coaches Working on the Edge: Trauma, Posttraumatic Growth, and Coaching. European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology. 7 (4), pp. 1-17.
Adventure, Posttraumatic Growth, and Wisdom
Kampman, H. and Walker, P. 2023. Adventure, Posttraumatic Growth, and Wisdom . in: Reid, P. and Brymer, E. (ed.) Adventure Psychology: Going Knowingly into the Unknown Routledge.
Playing for Resilience in a Pandemic; Exploring the Role of an Online Board Game in Recognising Resources
Maresch, I. and Kampman, H. 2023. Playing for Resilience in a Pandemic; Exploring the Role of an Online Board Game in Recognising Resources. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology. 8, pp. 45-77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-022-00069-z
Examining the diversity of ultra-running motivations and experiences: A reversal theory perspective
Watkins, L., Wilson, M. and Buscombe, R. 2022. Examining the diversity of ultra-running motivations and experiences: A reversal theory perspective. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 63 (Art. 102271). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102271
A Meaning in Life Intervention: Setting Personal Goals and Reviewing Life Story Increases Positive Affect
Olafsson, B. and Kampman, H. 2022. A Meaning in Life Intervention: Setting Personal Goals and Reviewing Life Story Increases Positive Affect. International Journal of Existential Positive Psychology. 11 (2).
How to Prepare for Adversity
Kampman, H. 2022. How to Prepare for Adversity. in: Van Nieuwerburgh, C. and William, P. (ed.) From Surviving to Thriving: A Student's Guide to Feeling and Doing Well at University SAGE.
How does social support shape the relationship between career calling and PERMA?
Baskurt, A. and Kampman, H. 2022. How does social support shape the relationship between career calling and PERMA? European Journal of Applied Positive Psychology. 6 (4), pp. 1-15.
‘Food Was My Medicine, My Medicine to Recovery And Healing’ - A Phenomenological Study of Posttraumatic Growth through Positive Nutrition
Nair, P. and Kampman, H. 2022. ‘Food Was My Medicine, My Medicine to Recovery And Healing’ - A Phenomenological Study of Posttraumatic Growth through Positive Nutrition. American Journal of Qualitative Research. 6 (2), pp. 148-173. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/12133
“It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD
Walker, P. A. and Kampman, H. 2022. “It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD. Disability and Rehabilitation. 44 (24), pp. 7455-7463. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1995056
Exploring the Complex Relationship between Posttraumatic Growth, Sport, and Athletes with Acquired Disabilities
Kampman, H. 2021. Exploring the Complex Relationship between Posttraumatic Growth, Sport, and Athletes with Acquired Disabilities. PhD Thesis University of East London School of Psychology https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.89w7z
A Qualitative Investigation Into the Impact of the Basketball Learning Intervention Programme (BLIP) on Disengaged Secondary School Students in the United Kingdom
Volskis, L., Hunt, R. and Beale, J. T. 2020. A Qualitative Investigation Into the Impact of the Basketball Learning Intervention Programme (BLIP) on Disengaged Secondary School Students in the United Kingdom. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences. 3 (1), pp. 42-51. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.730528
Exploring the psychology of extended-period expeditionary adventurers: Going knowingly into the unknown
Reid, P. and Kampman, H. 2020. Exploring the psychology of extended-period expeditionary adventurers: Going knowingly into the unknown. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 46 (Art. 101608). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101608
Taking an Embodied Approach to Posttraumatic Growth Research and Sport
Hefferon, K. and Kampman, H. 2020. Taking an Embodied Approach to Posttraumatic Growth Research and Sport. in: Wadey, R., Day, M. and Howells, K. (ed.) Growth Following Adversity in Sport: A Mechanism to Positive Change Routledge.
‘Find a sport and carry on’: Posttraumatic growth and achievement in British Paralympic athletes
Kampman, H. and Hefferon, K. 2020. ‘Find a sport and carry on’: Posttraumatic growth and achievement in British Paralympic athletes. International Journal of Wellbeing. 10 (1), pp. 67-92. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v10i1.765
Journal of Impact Cultures: Volume 1, Issue 1 (Special Edition, May 2020)
Wilson, M., Abrahamson, E., Gilbert, F., Botticello, J. and Mann, J. 2020. Journal of Impact Cultures: Volume 1, Issue 1 (Special Edition, May 2020). CIRCLE, University of East London. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.88061
Guest Editorial by Professor Marcia Wilson
Wilson, M. 2020. Guest Editorial by Professor Marcia Wilson. Journal of Impact Cultures. 1 (1), pp. i-ii. https://doi.org/10.15123/uel.88060
‘The world is best experienced at 18 mph’. The psychological wellbeing effects of cycling in the countryside: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Glackin, Oliver F. and Beale, J. 2018. ‘The world is best experienced at 18 mph’. The psychological wellbeing effects of cycling in the countryside: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health. 10 (1), pp. 32-46. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2017.1360381
Working with depressed clients: Valuable information and guidance for those working with this unique population in the fitness industry
Beale, J. 2007. Working with depressed clients: Valuable information and guidance for those working with this unique population in the fitness industry. Register of Exercise Professionals Journal. 8.
Evaluation of an Inter-Disciplinary Sport Science Intervention to the Great Britain Under 16 Korfball Team Preparing For the Youth Talent World Cup
Beale, J., Johnstone, J. and Williamson, A. 2007. Evaluation of an Inter-Disciplinary Sport Science Intervention to the Great Britain Under 16 Korfball Team Preparing For the Youth Talent World Cup. The 12th European Congress of Sport Psychology. Halkidiki, Greece 04 - 09 Sep 2007
The Use of Social Networking Within the Sport and Exercise Sciences
Beale, J. 2008. The Use of Social Networking Within the Sport and Exercise Sciences. The London Journal of Tourism, Sport and Creative Industries. 1 (2), pp. 66-69.
An Investigation Into Eastern European Males Motivation For Gym Usage In An East London Gym
Enright, T., Gibbes, C. and Beale, J. 2009. An Investigation Into Eastern European Males Motivation For Gym Usage In An East London Gym. The 3rd International Conference For Qualitative Research In Sport And Exercise. University of Roehampton, UK 10 - 12 Jun 2009
Perceptions of Sport Psychology and The Sport Psychologist: The Director Sportifs View
Beale, J. and Taboas, J.C. 2009. Perceptions of Sport Psychology and The Sport Psychologist: The Director Sportifs View. ISSP 12th World Congress of Sport Psychology. Marrakesh, Morocco 17 - 21 Jun 2009
Applied Training In Sport & Exercise Psychology For Those From A Sport Science Background In The UK
Beale, J. 2011. Applied Training In Sport & Exercise Psychology For Those From A Sport Science Background In The UK. The FEPSAC 13th European Congress of Sport Psychology: Sport and Exercise Psychology: Human Performance, Well-Being and Health. Madeira, Portugal 12 - 17 Jul 2011
The Relationship Between Psychological Skills and Psychological Well-Being
Edwards, D.J., Steyn, B., Beale, J. and Buscombe, R. 2011. The Relationship Between Psychological Skills and Psychological Well-Being. The FEPSAC 13th European Congress of Sport Psychology. Madeira, Portugal 12 - 17 Jul 2011
A Report on the Evaluation of a Breath Workshop for Stress Management by Sport Psychology Students
Edwards, S. and Beale, J. 2011. A Report on the Evaluation of a Breath Workshop for Stress Management by Sport Psychology Students. African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance. 17 (3), pp. 517-525. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajpherd.v17i3.71103
A Qualitative Insight into the Impact of a Community Based Project on Antisocial Behaviour within a Deprived Urban Area: The Case of Fight for Peace
Bull, Jamie E. and Beale, J. 2012. A Qualitative Insight into the Impact of a Community Based Project on Antisocial Behaviour within a Deprived Urban Area: The Case of Fight for Peace. in: Gilbert, Keith and Bennett, Will (ed.) Sport, Peace and Development Champaign, Illinois, USA Common Ground Publishing.
Sport Psychology
Beale, J. and Wilson, Marcia 2013. Sport Psychology. in: Bayne, Rowen and Jinks, Gordon (ed.) Applied Psychology: Research Training & Practice SAGE. pp. 154-165
An insight into the impact of different sports on students aged 11- 12 years old in London
Beale, J., Wilson, Marcia and Hefferon, K. 2013. An insight into the impact of different sports on students aged 11- 12 years old in London. The International Positive Psychology Association 3rd World Congress on Positive Psychology. Los Angeles, USA 27 - 30 Jun 2013
Are there any differences in enjoyment, positive feelings and perceived competence after participation in sport in children with varying physical literacy
Wilson, Marcia, Beale, J. and Hefferon, K. 2014. Are there any differences in enjoyment, positive feelings and perceived competence after participation in sport in children with varying physical literacy. 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science. Amsterdam, Netherlands 02 - 05 Jul 2014
Embedding knowledge of sport psychology: Case studies within professional cricket
Filby, Bill, Beale, J. and Wallis, James 2015. Embedding knowledge of sport psychology: Case studies within professional cricket. in: Wallis, James and Lambert, John (ed.) Becoming a Sports Coach Routledge.
Influence of actual and virtual chess on neurophysiology and cognition
Edwards, D.J., Beale, J. and Edwards, S.D. 2012. Influence of actual and virtual chess on neurophysiology and cognition. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences. 18 (4), pp. 769-779.
Preliminary evaluation of a school-based resilience-promoting intervention in a high-risk population: Application of an exploratory two-cohort treatment/control design
Pluess, Michael, Boniwell, Ilona, Hefferon, K. and Tunariu, A. 2017. Preliminary evaluation of a school-based resilience-promoting intervention in a high-risk population: Application of an exploratory two-cohort treatment/control design. PLoS ONE. 12 (5), p. e0177191. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177191
Mindfulness in sport and physical exercise
Kampman, H. and Lomas, T. 2017. Mindfulness in sport and physical exercise. in: Brady, A. and Grenville-Cleave, B. (ed.) Positive Psychology in Sport and Physical Activity: An Introduction Routledge. pp. 92–101
Newham’s Every Child a Sports Person (NECaSP): A Summative Process Evaluation of a School-and-Community Based Intervention in East London, UK
Curry, W., Dagkas, S. and Wilson, M. 2016. Newham’s Every Child a Sports Person (NECaSP): A Summative Process Evaluation of a School-and-Community Based Intervention in East London, UK. Journal of Physical Activity & Health. 13 (10), pp. 1124-1131. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2015-0567
‘Not like rose-tinted glasses… like taking a pair of dirty glasses off’: A pilot intervention using positive emotions in expressive writing
Hayes, Megan C. and Hefferon, K. 2015. ‘Not like rose-tinted glasses… like taking a pair of dirty glasses off’: A pilot intervention using positive emotions in expressive writing. International Journal of Wellbeing. 5 (4), pp. 78-95.
Positive developmental psychology: A review of literature concerning well-being throughout the lifespan
Lomas, T., Hefferon, K. and Ivtzan, I. 2016. Positive developmental psychology: A review of literature concerning well-being throughout the lifespan. The Journal of Happiness & Well-Being. 4 (2), pp. 143-164.
Effect of Heartmath Workshop on Physiological Coherence, Sense of Coherence, Zone, Mood and Resilience Perceptions
Edwards, D.J., Edwards, S.D., Buscombe, R., Beale, J. and Wilson, M. 2015. Effect of Heartmath Workshop on Physiological Coherence, Sense of Coherence, Zone, Mood and Resilience Perceptions. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences. 21 (3), pp. 891-901.
The LIFE Model: A Meta-Theoretical Conceptual Map for Applied Positive Psychology
Lomas, T., Hefferon, K. and Ivtzan, I. 2014. The LIFE Model: A Meta-Theoretical Conceptual Map for Applied Positive Psychology. Journal of Happiness Studies.
Bringing back the body into positive psychology: the theory of corporeal posttraumatic growth in breast cancer survivorship
Hefferon, K. 2012. Bringing back the body into positive psychology: the theory of corporeal posttraumatic growth in breast cancer survivorship. Psychology. 3 (12A), pp. 1238-1242.
The assessment needs to go hand-in-hand with the debriefing: the importance of a structured coaching debriefing in understanding and applying a positive psychology strengths assessment
Roche, Brenda and Hefferon, K. 2013. The assessment needs to go hand-in-hand with the debriefing: the importance of a structured coaching debriefing in understanding and applying a positive psychology strengths assessment. International Coaching Psychology Review. 8 (1), pp. 20-34.
Leaving it all behind to travel: venturing uncertainty as a means to personal growth and authenticity
Hirschorn, S. and Hefferon, K. 2013. Leaving it all behind to travel: venturing uncertainty as a means to personal growth and authenticity. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 53 (2), pp. 283-306. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167813483007