Positive change after severe burn injuries

Abstract

Aims of the study were to examine positive change in people with severe burn injuries and to examine the impact of related constructs, demographic and medical variables on Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). A total of 149 participants who had been treated for a severe burn injury completed the posttraumatic growth inventory as well as other self-report inventories assessing coping, social support, quality of life, and mental distress. Similar to other populations who experienced trauma and adversity, burn survivors also report PTG. The strongest predictors for PTG were active coping and social support. Gender and age differences were found in the current study. Implications for further research and interventions facilitating PTG are discussed. © 2008 by the American Burn Association.