@article{ref1,
title="Exploring self-perceived growth in a clinical sample of severely traumatized youth",
journal="Child abuse and neglect",
year="2013",
author="Glad, Kristin Alve and Jensen, Tine K. and Holt, Tonje and Ormhaug, Silje Mørup",
volume="37",
number="5",
pages="331-342",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were threefold: (1) examine the prevalence of Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) among severely traumatized youth, (2) systematically describe the PTG reported, and (3) study the course of PTG from pre- to post-treatment. METHOD: The sample consisted of 148 severely traumatized Norwegian youth (M age=15, SD=2.2, 79.1% girls) receiving treatment in child mental health clinics. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Children (CAPS) was used to assess level of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) pre- and post-treatment. One of the questions in CAPS: &quot;How do you think (traumatic event) has affected your life?&quot; formed the basis for our analysis of PTG. Words and phrases indicative of PTG were identified using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. RESULTS: Pre-treatment, the prevalence rate of PTG was low compared to previous findings, and reports of PTG were not related to levels of PTSS. The main PTG themes identified were: personal growth, relational growth, and changed philosophy of life. A sub-theme of personal growth; greater maturity/wisdom, was the most salient theme identified both pre- and post-treatment. Age was significantly related to reports of PTG; older participants reported more growth. Reports of PTG increased significantly from pre- to post-treatment, but were not related to decrease in PTSS. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that PTG is not only possible for youth, but quite similar to that observed among adults. However, we need to carefully consider whether reports of self-perceived positive change among traumatized youth actually are indicative of growth, or simply indicative of increased vulnerability.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0145-2134",
doi="10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.02.007",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.02.007"
}