While many people experience trauma after surviving a life-changing adverse event, whether it be natural disaster or act of violence, a successful recovery often leads to posttraumatic growth. Defined as the retrospective perception of positive psychological changes that take place following traumatic events, posttraumatic growth can occur in different ways. Whether through improved personal relationships, discovery of new possibilities in life, increased self confidence and inner strength, heightened spirituality, or a renewed appreciation of the joy of life, many survivors can describe their lives as being stronger than ever due to the hardships they experienced.
But can posttraumatic growth also lead to increased creativity? The biographies of many highly creative people often link their inspiration to the tragedies they had injured.
To read more, check out my new Psychology Today post.
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