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Post-Traumatic Growth Experiences among COVID-19 Confirmed Cases in China: A Qualitative Study

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  • Wenxiu Sun
  • Wei-Ti Chen
  • Qing Zhang
  • Siyue Ma
  • Feifei Huang
  • Lin Zhang
  • Hongzhou Lu

Abstract

COVID-19 infection can cause psychological distress and profoundly impact patients’ lives, but it can also lead to positive changes and post-traumatic growth (PTG), or positive psychological change in response to challenging life circumstances. Current research on the influence of COVID-19 infection has mainly focused on its negative effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with COVID-19 in China experienced PTG and, if so, what changed for them during the process of PTG. We used a qualitative descriptive approach to conduct this study. Using the purposive sampling recruitment method, patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were recruited from a COVID-19 designated hospital in Shanghai, China, from April to July 2020. Data were collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted via cell phone or in person while social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Forty confirmed COVID-19 patients (19–68 years old) were recruited. Several prominent themes and subthemes were extracted from the interview responses regarding participants’ experiences of PTG. The following are among the positive changesthat occurred for these participants after their diagnosis of COVID-19: (1) Reevaluation of their life priorities, which included a greater appreciation of being alive and re-evaluating their values and goals, (2) Improved relationships within their social circles, which included establishing or maintaining closer relationships with family and friends and a greater willingness to help others, and (3) Perceived changes regarding themselves, which included personal growth and increased awareness of the importance of their health. The study identified potential positive impacts of COVID-19 on patients, which could be helpful in the implementation of interventions to facilitate PTG among COVID-19 survivors.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenxiu Sun & Wei-Ti Chen & Qing Zhang & Siyue Ma & Feifei Huang & Lin Zhang & Hongzhou Lu, 2021. "Post-Traumatic Growth Experiences among COVID-19 Confirmed Cases in China: A Qualitative Study," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 30(7), pages 1079-1087, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:clnure:v:30:y:2021:i:7:p:1079-1087
    DOI: 10.1177/10547738211016951
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julio Torales & Marcelo O’Higgins & João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia & Antonio Ventriglio, 2020. "The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on global mental health," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(4), pages 317-320, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Samuel Adjorlolo & Paul Adjorlolo & Johnny Andoh-Arthur & Emmanuel Kwadzo Ahiable & Irene Akwo Kretchy & Joseph Osafo, 2022. "Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience among Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors: A Gendered Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Johanna Almgren & Emma Löfström & Julia S Malmborg & Jens Nygren & Johan Undén & Ingrid Larsson, 2022. "Patients’ Health Experiences of Post COVID-19 Condition—A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-12, October.

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