Jane Shakespeare-Finch

Perceptions of Aging across 26 Cultures and their Culture-Level Associates

College students (N=3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

A meta-analytic clarification of the relationship between posttraumatic growth and symptoms of posttraumatic distress disorder

Traumatic experiences can have a powerful impact on individuals and communities but the relationship between perceptions of beneficial and pathological outcomes are not known. Therefore, this meta-analysis examined both the strength and the linearity of the relationship between symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perceptions of posttraumatic growth (PTG) as well as identifying the potential moderating roles of trauma type and age. Literature searches of all languages were conducted using the ProQuest, Wiley Interscience, ScienceDirect, Informaworld and Web of Science databases. Linear and quadratic (curvilinear) rs as well as βs were analysed. Forty-two studies (N = 11,469) that examined both PTG and symptoms of PTSD were included in meta-analytic calculations. The combined studies yielded a significant linear relationship between PTG and PTSD symptoms (r = 0.315, CI = 0.299, 0.331), but also a significantly stronger (as tested by Fishers transformation) curvilinear relationship (r =0.372, CI = 0.353, 0.391). The strength and linearity of these relationships differed according to trauma type and age. The results remind those working with traumatised people that positive and negative post-trauma outcomes can co-occur. A focus only on PTSD symptoms may limit or slow recovery and mask the potential for growth.

Trauma Type and Posttrauma Outcomes: Differences Between Survivors of Motor Vehicle Accidents, Sexual Assault, and Bereavement

Research examining posttrauma pathology indicates negative outcomes can differ as a function of the type of trauma experienced. Such research has yet to be published when looking at positive posttrauma changes. Ninety-four survivors of trauma, forming three groups, completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and Impact of Events Scale-Revised. Groups comprised survivors of (a) sexual abuse, (b) motor vehicle accidents, and (c) bereavement. Results indicated differences in growth between the groups, with the bereaved reporting higher levels of growth than other survivors and sexual abuse survivors demonstrating higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms than the other groups. However, this did not preclude sexual abuse survivors from also reporting moderate levels of growth. Results are discussed with relation to fostering growth through clinical practice.

Personality, Coping and Posttraumatic Growth in Emergency Ambulance Personnel

Inherent in emergency service work is a relatively high level of exposure to potentially traumatic experiences. Traditionally, research has examined the negative or pathological effects that trauma may have on individuals, as well as variables that are proposed to influence post-trauma outcomes, for example, personality, coping, organisational and demographic factors. In recent years, empirical post-trauma research has broadened its scope to investigate positive changes that may also occur following the experience of a traumatic event. This study examines personality and coping variables in relation to levels of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in emergency ambulance personnel (N = 526). Correlations revealed that extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and coping levels significantly relate to perceptions of PTG. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the relationship between personality and PTG is largely mediated by levels of coping. Implications of the research include the tailorin...

Rumination, post-traumatic growth, and distress: structural equation modelling with cancer survivors

Objective: Theoretical models of post‐traumatic growth (PTG) have been derived in the general trauma literature to describe the post‐trauma experience that facilitates the perception of positive life changes. To develop a statistical model identifying factors that are associated with PTG, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used in the current study to assess the relationships between perception of diagnosis severity, rumination, social support, distress, and PTG.

The Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Growth in Emergency Ambulance Personnel

Departing from a deprivation approach to the study of trauma, a small body of literature has recently emerged that examines positive, rather than negative, post-trauma changes. Studies to date have...

A Grounded Theory Approach to Understanding Cultural Differences in Posttraumatic Growth

The last decade has seen a surge of research move away from a pathogenic paradigm of trauma to embrace a positive psychological approach. Research has predominantly used instruments such as the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory to ascertain levels of positive posttrauma change, yielding mixed results across cultures. Addressing a gap in current knowledge, this article uses a grounded theory approach to discover dimensions of posttraumatic growth in an Australian population. Results indicate that there are commonalities between Australian and U.S. populations in the experience of posttraumatic growth and also some differences, specifically in the areas of spirituality, religiosity, and compassion.

Investigating work‐family policy aims and employee experiences

Purpose – This study seeks systematically to investigate the extent to which the documented aims of formal work-family policies are being achieved at the level of individual employees. Design/methodology/approach – Consistency between policy and practice in the case study organization was explored via an analysis of organizational documents which described work-family policies and 20 interviews with employed women with dependent children. Findings – Results show that the use of flexible work arrangements was consistent with aims related to balance and productivity. However, women’s experiences and perceptions of part-time employment conflicted with policies aiming to support the same career opportunities as full-time employees. Research limitations/implications – The nature of the organization and its policies as well as certain characteristics of the sample may limit the generalizability of findings to other sectors and groups of employees. Practical implications – The research highlights the need to assess whether work-family policies are experienced as intended, a process which may contribute to future policy development and assist human resource specialists to promote genuine balance between work and non-work responsibilities. Originality/value – The results inform the current understanding of how organizational policy translates into practice.

Stereotypes of Age Differences in Personality Traits: Universal and Accurate?

Age trajectories for personality traits are known to be similar across cultures. To address whether stereotypes of age groups reflect these age-related changes in personality, we asked participants in 26 countries (N = 3,323) to rate typical adolescents, adults, and old persons in their own country. Raters across nations tended to share similar beliefs about different age groups; adolescents were seen as impulsive, rebellious, undisciplined, preferring excitement and novelty, whereas old people were consistently considered lower on impulsivity, activity, antagonism, and Openness. These consensual age group stereotypes correlated strongly with published age differences on the five major dimensions of personality and most of 30 specific traits, using as criteria of accuracy both self-reports and observer ratings, different survey methodologies, and data from up to 50 nations. However, personal stereotypes were considerably less accurate, and consensual stereotypes tended to exaggerate differences across age groups.

Working with refugee survivors of torture and trauma: An opportunity for vicarious post-traumatic growth

Clinical work with people who have survived trauma carries a risk of vicarious traumatisation for the service provider, as well as the potential for vicarious post-traumatic growth (VPTG). Despite a growing interest in this area, the effects of working with survivors of refugee-related trauma have remained relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the lived experiences of people working on a daily basis with survivors of torture and trauma who had sought refuge in Australia. Seventeen clinical, administrative and managerial staff from a not-for-profit organisation participated in a semi-structured interview that was later analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Analysis of the data demonstrated that the entire sample reported symptoms of vicarious trauma (e.g. strong emotional reactions, intrusive images and shattering of existing beliefs) as well as VPTG (e.g. forming new relationships, increased self-understanding and gaining a greater appreciation of life). Moreover, effortful meaning-making processes appeared to facilitate positive changes. Reduction in the risks associated with this work, the enhancement of clinician well-being, and improvement of therapeutic outcomes for clientele are responsibilities shared by the organisation and clinicians. Without negating the distress of trauma work, clinicians are encouraged to more deeply consider the unique positive outcomes that supporting survivors can provide.