Predicting Post-Traumatic Growth from Social Support and Meaning-Making Ability
Keywords:
Post-traumatic growth, social support, meaning-making, trauma, regression analysis, psychological resilienceAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of perceived social support and meaning-making ability in post-traumatic growth among adults who have experienced traumatic events.
Methods and Materials: The study utilized a correlational descriptive design with a sample of 392 participants from the United States, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie sample size table. Participants were recruited through online platforms and completed standardized self-report questionnaires: the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale (ISLES). Data were analyzed using SPSS-27, with Pearson correlation coefficients calculated to examine the relationships among variables, and multiple linear regression analysis conducted to assess the predictive capacity of social support and meaning-making ability on post-traumatic growth.
Findings: Descriptive results showed moderate to high levels of post-traumatic growth (M = 72.84, SD = 14.26), perceived social support (M = 60.47, SD = 11.73), and meaning-making ability (M = 61.32, SD = 10.91). Pearson correlations indicated significant positive relationships between post-traumatic growth and both social support (r = .54, p < .001) and meaning-making ability (r = .61, p < .001). Regression analysis confirmed that both predictors significantly contributed to the variance in post-traumatic growth (R² = .45, F(2, 389) = 159.22, p < .001), with meaning-making ability (β = .44) showing a slightly stronger effect than social support (β = .36).
Conclusion: These results suggest that psychological interventions aimed at enhancing trauma recovery should address both cognitive and interpersonal dimensions to effectively promote positive psychological change.
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