Research Positive Changes After Traumatic Experiences - Online Survey

[MTRBrooks]

Hello

I’m currently undertaking a PhD in the area of psychological trauma. Many studies rightly look at negative outcomes associated with traumatic experiences, however, few have explored the positive changes that are reported by some trauma survivors, such as adopting a new life philosophy, becoming more religious/spiritual, enhanced personal relationships and new priorities.

My current study explores positive changes following traumatic experiences and factors that may predict change. The study is an online questionnaire that will take around 20 minutes to complete and is completely voluntary.

I would only ask that the following complete the questionnaire:

- Survivors of crime (such as domestic, physical or sexual assault)
- Students
- Individuals who work with traumatised clients (such as therapists, counsellors, support workers, emergency service workers etc.)

You do not need to have a diagnosis of PTSD to participate - I am interested in all experiences of personal growth (or lack of growth).

The following web link has further information on the study, as well as the questionnaires should you choose to participate: https://www.esurveycreator.com/s/dfa611b

You will be entered into a £50 shopping voucher prize draw for your participation.

Many thanks for your interest.

 

[mrsps]

link?

 

[MTRBrooks]

link?

Hi

As I'm a new user I can't post a link. I had to post the message first, however the mod is aware and will add this to the original post shortly.

Matt

 

[anthony]

Updated with link.

 

[Hashi]

Where it says:

What is the study about?
This project is being conducted by Matthew Brooks (PhD student) from the University of Central Lancashire under the supervision of Dr Michelle Lowe. We are interested in how people deal with stressful events. While these events are upsetting for people to experience, some people appear to become "stronger" as a result. This study will explore how our past and present circumstances may help us to respond in a positive way, in various samples including victims and perpetrators of crime, students and health/support workers where research is currently limited.

I'm not clear how the perpetrators of crime fit into the study. Could you say a little more about that, please?

I'm not questioning the possibility of offenders making positive changes in their lives, I'm wondering how the same study covers this as covers people who have been the targets of crime. To me, it seems quite a different thing.

 

[Lucycat]

Done!

 

[MTRBrooks]

Where it says:

What is the study about?
This project is being conducted by Matthew Brooks (PhD student) from the University of Central Lancashire under the supervision of Dr Michelle Lowe. We are interested in how people deal with stressful events. While these events are upsetting for people to experience, some people appear to become "stronger" as a result. This study will explore how our past and present circumstances may help us to respond in a positive way, in various samples including victims and perpetrators of crime, students and health/support workers where research is currently limited.

I'm not clear how the perpetrators of crime fit into the study. Could you say a little more about that, please?

I'm not questioning the possibility of offenders making positive changes in their lives, I'm wondering how the same study covers this as covers people who have been the targets of crime. To me, it seems quite a different thing.

Hi Hashi

The reason I am including those who have perpetrated crime is because, like survivors of crime, there have been many studies that report traumatic experiences in offending populations. There is a body of research that suggests victims and offenders have many similar characteristics, although they differ in the way that perpetrators of crime go along a different trajectory of offending behaviour whilst victims do not. In addition, some of those who have offended, are themselves victims.

There have been - at least to my knowledge - no quantitative studies of post-traumatic growth (positive change) in this population. In fact, I only discovered two interview studies, both in South Africa of those who reported increased spirituality and other changes. Therefore I am collecting offender data from the Probation Service.

I will first explore how various factors (as measured by the questionnaires) predict growth in the difference samples, then I will aim to compare groups to establish differences (if any) among victims and offenders, and also a "non-clinical" group of students and trauma workers. The literature suggests some subtle differences and similarities - though in this context, it is unknown. This is the first of four studies of my research programme that ultimately aims to improve service provision for both survivors and perpetrators of crime.

I hope that clarifies your question. Please let me know if not!

Matt

 

[MTRBrooks]

Done!

Thanks, much appreciated!