Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation: Independent Correlates of Well-Being Among People Living with HIV

Abstract

Background: Although posttraumatic growth (PTG) is intuitively associated with positive adaptation to traumatic life circumstances, studies regarding the link between PTG and well-being present mixed findings. Our study aimed to analyze the link between PTG and well-being indicators (resource gain and loss, positive and negative affect; PA/NA) in a clinical sample of people living with HIV (PLWH), with the additional control of parallel negative changes among participants, i.e., posttraumatic depreciation (PTD). Methods: The study sample comprised 509 PLWH who completed the standardized psychometric inventories measuring the study variables—PTG/PTD, resource gain and resource loss, and affective well-being. Results: By applying the person-centered perspective to the study results, we observed distinct clusters of participants within resources and PA/NA, which were uniquely associated with PTG/PTD levels, after controlling for sociomedical data among participants. Conclusions: Including two parallel sides of growth, i.e., PTG and PTD, our study may deepen the understanding of PTG mechanisms and processes among PLWH and inspire planning for more effective psychological interventions designed to meet the specific needs of these patients.