A Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Event Centrality and Posttraumatic Growth

  • Shane Graham QMUL

Abstract

This paper applied a systematic review methodology to investigate the relationship between event centrality (EC) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). 5 databases were searched with 18 papers being included for review. Results indicated a robust, positive correlation between EC and PTG. Event centrality was also consistently observed to be positively associated with a maladaptive posttraumatic outcome, posttraumatic stress (PTS). Several cognitive factors were observed to differentiate pathways between PTG and PTS in cases of high EC: deliberate rumination was positively associated with PTG; intrusive rumination positively associated with PTS; psychological flexibility negatively associated with PTS; negative self-cognitions positively associated with PTS and negatively associated with PTG. Several of these relationships were not observed to be significant in cases of low EC, highlighting the clinical significance of these factors within the EC-PTG/PTS relationships. Results suggest that these cognitive factors may be useful targets for intervention within applied/clinical settings, pending further experimental research.

Published
2025-01-17