Factors Affecting Posttraumatic Growth Among Survivors Of Domestic Violence: A Scoping Review
1
Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive adaptation in the aftermath of coping with traumatic experiences. Notwithstanding the aversive nature of domestic violence (DV), there is evidence to suggest the potential for PTG among its survivors. The determinants of such adaptation are nonetheless heterogeneous and complicated.
METHODS:
This peer-reviewed literature systematically accessed from the electronic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The review included studies from 2022 to 2024, specifically those that had conducted research with adult DV survivors and reported PTG variables. The proposed structure for this will follow the guidelines for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISM ScR).
RESULTS:
17 studies were eligible for this review. PTG-relevant factors individual factors (demographics, lifelong learning, cognitive processing, length of time since abuse ceased), and interpersonal factors (engagement with supportive networks) that emerged as central to survivors' growth.
CONCLUSIONS:
The review reflects that PTG in DV survivors is multifactorial in nature with various psychological, social, and environmental factors intertwining in an interrelated manner. Clarification of the factors can be utilised to inform trauma-informed intervention and support services in promoting development and recovery. Further research is necessary to investigate understudied populations and longitudinal pathways of PTG.
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive adaptation in the aftermath of coping with traumatic experiences. Notwithstanding the aversive nature of domestic violence (DV), there is evidence to suggest the potential for PTG among its survivors. The determinants of such adaptation are nonetheless heterogeneous and complicated.
METHODS:
This peer-reviewed literature systematically accessed from the electronic databases of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The review included studies from 2022 to 2024, specifically those that had conducted research with adult DV survivors and reported PTG variables. The proposed structure for this will follow the guidelines for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISM ScR).
RESULTS:
17 studies were eligible for this review. PTG-relevant factors individual factors (demographics, lifelong learning, cognitive processing, length of time since abuse ceased), and interpersonal factors (engagement with supportive networks) that emerged as central to survivors' growth.
CONCLUSIONS:
The review reflects that PTG in DV survivors is multifactorial in nature with various psychological, social, and environmental factors intertwining in an interrelated manner. Clarification of the factors can be utilised to inform trauma-informed intervention and support services in promoting development and recovery. Further research is necessary to investigate understudied populations and longitudinal pathways of PTG.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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