Factors associated with posttraumatic growth among healthcare workers at an academic-medical center: A correlational study

Purpose Posttraumatic growth (PTG) can occur after experiencing traumatic events. Our purpose was to examine factors associated with PTG experiences of healthcare workers within an academic-medical center. Design and Methods A correlational study was conducted using a convenience sample of 479 healthcare workers at a large academic-medical center. Findings Having children living at home, serving the pediatric population, longer duration of alcohol abstinence, and having received treatment for trauma were significantly associated with greater PTG scores. Compared to nondirect care staff, advance practice providers, nursing staff, social work/psychologists, and pharmacy staff had significantly lower PTG scores. Practice Implications Understanding the positive psychological changes that occur in workers after trauma experiences may provide insight to guide interventions that promote healthcare worker wellbeing.