How does active coping affect post-traumatic growth? An empirical analysis from Lushan earthquake survivors

Traumatic experiences from major natural disasters, such as earthquakes, can lead to mental health challenges, which in turn may foster post-traumatic growth (PTG). In this study, 859 survivors of the 2013 Lushan Earthquake in China were selected as research participants. We explored the relationship between active coping and PTG, the indirect effect of resilience in this relationship, and the moderating effect of social support. The empirical results revealed that active coping positively influenced PTG, with resilience has an indirect effect in this relationship. Social support moderated the relationship between resilience and PTG but did not affect the relationship between active coping and PTG. This study not only provides new insights into how earthquake survivors achieve PTG through active coping strategies but also emphasises the important role of psychological resilience in facilitating post-traumatic recovery.