Predictors of well-being after trauma among tertiary students : the role of PTG and spirituality

Abstract

Background: Research indicates that a number of people report psychological growth after experiencing trauma. This may be so because suffering stimulates the need and search for meaning. In this study, we sought to clarify the predictors of wellbeing among a sample of tertiary students in view of past trauma. Past traumas included loss of a loved one, chronic or acute illness, injury, divorce, violent crime, and job loss, amongst others. Only a quarter of respondents experienced their trauma/s 5 years or more prior the study, thus indicating relatively recent trauma experiences. Results: Post-traumatic growth correlated with personality, faith maturity, wellbeing and positive affect. In examining the patterns of correlations noted above, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed. Posttraumatic growth was found to have unique variance even after partialling out key variables such as perceived stress, personality and faith maturity. Although situational factors and personality did play important roles, this study clearly points at the relevance of faith maturity and posttraumatic growth for the promotion of holistic wellbeing of those affected by trauma. Conclusion: Religious beliefs may counter hopelessness and form an important buffer in this equation. The psycho-social implications of these results were discussed.