Exploring the Psychological Dimensions of Post-Traumatic Growth among Youth Exposed to Adversity
Keywords:
Post-traumatic growth, Adolescents, Resilience, Meaning-making, Qualitative study, Hungary, Psychological transformationAbstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore and interpret the psychological dimensions of post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Hungarian youth who have experienced adversity, focusing on how they reconstruct identity, relationships, meaning, and resilience through lived experiences.
Methods and Materials: This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design to understand adolescents’ and young adults’ subjective experiences of growth after trauma. A purposive sample of 18 Hungarian participants aged 17–25 years, each having experienced significant adversity such as family conflict, bereavement, illness, or socioeconomic hardship, was selected. Data were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews lasting 60–90 minutes and continued until theoretical saturation was reached. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. The analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework, incorporating open, axial, and selective coding to identify key psychological dimensions of PTG. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and an audit trail of analytic decisions.
Findings: Data analysis revealed four overarching dimensions of post-traumatic growth: (1) Reconstructing self-identity—youth reported enhanced self-awareness, emotional maturity, and value reorientation; (2) Strengthened interpersonal relationships—participants demonstrated increased empathy, family reconnection, and social responsibility; (3) Meaning-making and spiritual growth—adolescents engaged in existential reflection, gratitude, and spiritual or mindful coping; and (4) Resilience and future orientation—youth developed adaptive coping skills, self-efficacy, and forward-looking motivation. These findings highlight PTG as a multidimensional process integrating cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and relational transformation within sociocultural contexts.
Conclusion: The study concludes that post-traumatic growth among Hungarian youth represents a transformative journey characterized by self-redefinition, relational strengthening, and renewed purpose.
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