Bereavement and transformation: a psycho-spiritual and post-traumatic growth perspective.
Journal of religion and health September 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-011-9539-8 via PubMed
Summary
People who have experienced loss often report psycho-spiritual experiences that lead to personal changes and psychological growth. This article presents a conceptual framework that combines two approaches to healthy growth: Lawrence Calhoun and Richard Tedeschi's post-traumatic growth model and Stanislav and Christina Grof's model of psycho-spiritual transformation. The framework acknowledges the significance of these subjective experiences and explores shared understandings about the human potential for growth in the struggle through loss.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Post-traumatic growth Growth after trauma Psychological growth Personal transformation Resilience |
| Citations | 38 |
| Key finding | A broad conceptual framework that integrates post-traumatic growth and psycho-spiritual transformation models can capture and acknowledge the significance of subjective psycho-spiritual experiences leading to personal changes and psychological growth after loss. |
Abstract
In the aftermath of loss, it is not uncommon for individuals to disclose psycho-spiritual experiences that lead to personal changes and psychological growth. This article argues for and outlines a broad conceptual framework that captures and acknowledges the significance of these subjective experiences. The model synthesises and integrates two approaches to healthy growth: Lawrence Calhoun and Richard Tedeschi's post-traumatic growth model and Stanislav and Christina Grof's model of psycho-spiritual transformation. A rationale for a broader model and underpinning theory is briefly discussed, and their shared understandings about the human potential for growth in the struggle through loss are explored.