Objective: Individuals often struggle to understand traumatic events. For some not yet able to successfully process the trauma, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) may result, while others may report posttraumatic growth (PTG). The present study examined personality characteristics, attachment, and meaning made as predictors of PTG and PTS symptom severity.
Method: Undergraduates reporting potentially traumatic events (N = 229) completed measures through an online survey. Over half of participants (64%) were female, with a mean age of 19 years.
Results: Higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness and lower meaning made and attachment avoidance significantly predicted higher PTG. Lower neuroticism and attachment anxiety and higher meaning made significantly predicted lower PTS severity. The Meaning Made x Attachment Anxiety interaction significantly predicted PTS severity.
Conclusion: Different facets of personality and attachment style affect PTG and PTS symptom severity. Meaning made seems especially relevant to PTS severity. These constructs may be important for clinicians working with trauma survivors to help lower distress and promote growth.
Keywords: attachment; meaning made; personality; posttraumatic growth; posttraumatic stress.
© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.