Retrospective and prospective measures of post-traumatic growth reflect different processes: longitudinal evidence of greater decline than growth following a hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

Abstract Background This prospective longitudinal study examined and compared two measures (prospective retrospective ones) of post-traumatic growth (PTG) following Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation (HSCT) their respective relationships with mental health psychological disposition. We also tested the hypothesis that unwillingness to be in contact distressing thoughts feelings—i.e. experiential avoidance—would moderate relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) growth. Methods was carried out 187 patients. Patients completed Growth Inventory (PTGI) 5 months after HSCT scales tapping into five domains PTGI during hospitalisation HSCT. Mental disposition were assessed prior hospitalisation. A PTSD scale administered at five-month follow-up. Results Prospective PTG weakly correlated. Bayesian pre/post-HSCT comparisons measure revealed substantial very strong decline four dimensions assessed. Overall, RCI indicated a reliable increase for 5.6% patients decrease 40.8% Confirming reflect different processes, they not related same variables. Moreover, acquiring positive outcomes from potentially traumatic experience, such as HSCT, requires direct confrontation source distress supported case but Conclusions Retrospective do appear assess actual pre- post-HSCT change. seems more linked than