Date of Award
5-2014
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Maureen Carrigan
Second Advisor
Keri Weed
Third Advisor
Edward Callen
Abstract
Posttraumatic growth (PTG) can be defined as the experience of positive change, or psychological growth, that occurs as a result of a highly challenging life event or crisis (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Given that over one-third of the American population lives with some form of cardiovascular disease (American Heart Association, 2011), promoting posttraumatic growth in this population may promote more successful adaptation and coping and may serve to reduce morbidity and mortality (Affleck, 1987). Thus, the present study investigated the predictors of posttraumatic growth in a cardiac rehabilitation setting at rehabilitation entrance (PTG1) and exit (PTG2) and examined change in PTG scores over time. Although PTG scores were not significantly different at rehabilitation completion, results of the present study revealed that PTG1 was primarily predicted by deliberate rumination scores and a poorer physical quality of life at rehabilitation entrance and PTG2 was primarily predicted by deliberate rumination scores and greater physical impairment rehabilitation completion. Longitudinally, PTG2 was primarily predicted by intrusive rumination scores and a poorer quality of life at rehabilitation entrance. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the clinical and behavioral characteristics that are likely to correspond to PTG in cardiac patients.
Recommended Citation
Gerwe, Erika Jade, "Intrusive and Deliberate Rumination Predict Posttraumatic Growth in Members Enrolled in a Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program" (2014). USC Aiken Psychology Theses. 1.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/aiken_psychology_theses/1