An Affective–Cognitive Processing Model of Post‐Traumatic Growth

A topic that has begun to attract interest from clinical psychologists and psychotherapists is post‐traumatic growth. First, we provide a general overview of the field, setting out the historical development, main concepts, measurement issues and research findings. Second, we review evidence showing that the relationship between post‐traumatic stress and post‐traumatic growth is likely curvilinear. Third, a new affective–cognitive processing model of post‐traumatic growth will be introduced in which post‐traumatic stress is understood to be the engine of post‐traumatic growth. Fourth, points of clinical intervention are described showing the ways in which therapists can facilitate post‐traumatic growth. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Message No one approach to the treatment of trauma is able to help all people all of the time. Post‐traumatic growth emerges out of satisfactory affective–cognitive processing. A common‐factor approach that recognizes that there are many points of therapeutic intervention is described.