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Bereavement and transformation: a psycho-spiritual and post-traumatic growth perspective.

Peter Bray

Journal of Religion and Health September 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-011-9539-8 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Keywords Post-traumatic growth Growth after trauma Psychological growth Personal transformation Resilience Positive development Bereavement Grief Mourning Coping with loss Psycho-spiritual transformation Spiritual growth Psychological transformation Inner change Self-discovery Personal development Human potential Self-improvement Self-actualization Inner strength
Citations 38
Key points Proposes that integrating post-traumatic growth and psycho-spiritual transformation models provides a broader framework for understanding 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.