Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to emerge from life's most challenging experiences feeling stronger, wiser, or more appreciative? In our personal life, these experiences may include the loss of a loved one, an unexpected health diagnosis, or even a terrible breakup. While professionally, these encounters may include a sudden job loss, being passed over for a promotion, or harassment at work. Traumatic incidents such as these often feel like an all-consuming darkness, leaving lasting impacts on mental and emotional well-being. Yet, a growing body of research suggests there can be a silver lining — a phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth (PTG).

Post-traumatic growth is not about merely bouncing back to who you were before a traumatic event. It involves a profound transformation that leads to new perspectives, increased personal strength, deeper relationships, and a greater appreciation for life. This concept, pioneered by psychologists Rich Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun at UNC Charlotte, challenges the belief that trauma results only in negative outcomes, suggesting that it can also be a catalyst for significant positive change.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth

Difficult as it may be to accept our present emotional upheaval as trauma, there is a benefit in doing so. While traumatic events are not positive in and of themselves, they can serve as catalysts for change. According to Tedeschi and Calhoun, post-traumatic growth refers to the ways in which people can experience personal development and transformation following traumatic events.

Take for example the COVID-19 pandemic when executives were forced to quickly pivot their company goals and strategies in order to survive. While this rapid pace of change was scary for many, it forced leaders to be more flexible and empathetic in their leadership style, creating healthier, more balanced workplaces for many individuals.

Speaking on Harvard Business Review’s IdeaCast, Tedeschi outlines the primary domains of growth that are commonly reported by individuals who have experienced trauma:

  • Improved relationships
  • A greater appreciation of life
  • New possibilities, opportunities, or priorities
  • A sense of personal strength
  • Spiritual or existential change

These domains reflect a deeper wisdom about life experiences, such as accomplishment, progress, and even the contemplation of mortality. It's crucial to note that the experience of growth and pain are not mutually exclusive. "Someone with symptoms of post-traumatic stress can also at the same time report post-traumatic growth," Tedeschi explains. However, he notes that in a recent study across 10 countries, participants reported growth after trauma significantly more often than they reported ongoing distress.

How to Achieve Post-Traumatic Growth

The journey toward post-traumatic growth is personal and unique to each individual. As Boston College psychology professor and trauma expert Usha Tummala-Narra, PhD, tells Chief, "The concept of post-traumatic growth should not imply that one must experience trauma in order to develop positive views of themselves, others, or their future." Instead, it suggests that the recovery process, often with the help of trusted others, can contribute to personal growth. Here are steps individuals and leaders can take to position themselves for PTG.

1. Acknowledge the Trauma

Simply recognizing that post-traumatic growth is possible and common helps reframe your perspective on the present, offering hope amidst trepidation. Too often, we feel trauma but fail to openly recognize it. "Traumatic stress manifests in feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. It also manifests in one's physical body and in one’s spiritual life," Tummala-Narra explains. Accepting our current emotional turmoil as trauma is the first step toward growth.

2. Seek and Foster Supportive Relationships

Sharing experiences with others, even those who aren't going through the same thing, is crucial. Tedeschi notes, "A lot of trauma survivors who report post-traumatic growth also talk about special people in their lives who seem to be particularly understanding, trustworthy, and there for the long haul." These "expert companions," as Tedeschi calls them, offer a safe emotional space, allowing individuals to process their experiences aloud. Leaders, too, can play a significant role by actively listening to employees' stories and advocating for their growth.

3. Engage in Self-Reflection and Expression

Writing, whether through solo journaling or sharing reflections with others, is another effective method for fostering post-traumatic growth. Expressing thoughts and feelings out loud or on paper can provide clarity and insight that thinking alone cannot. At the root of this self-expression is self-recognition — the essence of PTG. As individuals express their experiences, they gain a deeper understanding of their struggles and triumphs, which can pave the way for personal transformation.

4. Cultivate New Perspectives and Possibilities

Post-traumatic growth often involves seeing the world through a new lens. As Tummala-Narra notes, personal growth can look different for everyone. For some, it may mean developing new perspectives and possibilities for the future, while for others, it may involve a spiritual transformation.

Leaders can encourage this growth by appreciating the diverse stories and capabilities of their team members. "Leaders have to recognize that when they have human resources, they're talking about human beings. And human beings have stories," Tedeschi emphasizes. By acknowledging the challenges employees have faced, leaders can create an environment that nurtures growth and brings out the best in their team.

Reframe the Meaning of Growth

It's important to understand that growth does not erase pain or distress. The experience of growth and the experience of suffering can coexist. Recognizing that post-traumatic growth is a possibility allows individuals to reframe their perspective on trauma, creating space for positive change. Tedeschi's research suggests that growth is a more common outcome than persistent distress, underscoring the human capacity for resilience.

Taking the Next Steps

While you cannot control trauma, you can work on your reactions and responses. The path to post-traumatic growth requires effort, support, and a willingness to explore the depths of one’s experiences. Leaders can facilitate this process by providing a supportive environment, listening, and helping individuals navigate their own paths to growth. For the individual, acknowledging their experiences, seeking support, expressing emotions, and exploring new perspectives are fundamental steps toward achieving post-traumatic growth.

*Editor's Note: This article was originally published July 2020.