A bioecological approach to conceptualising posttraumatic growth in psychosis

Ng, Fiona; Jordan, Gerald; Lewandowski, Felix; Ingall, Benjamin-Rose; Slade, Mike

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes arising from adversity. PTG in psychosis is an emerging area of focus, however the individualistic conceptualisation of PTG has been questioned. We extend these debates to consider environmental influences on PTG in psychosis.

Methods: In this paper, we outline the application of Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model to PTG in psychosis.

Results: The Bioecological Model comprises six ecological systems; 1) biophysical (individual characteristics), 2) microsystem (immediate environment), 3) mesosystem (system interactions), 4) exosystem (impact on individual despite minimal participation), 5) macrosystem (cultural/societal influences), and 6) chronosystem (time).

Discussion: PTG in psychosis research has predominately focused on the biophysical ecosystem. We argue that extending PTG research to address the other systems will be advantageous, providing an ecologically valid conceptualisation of PTG and the development of a causal model of PTG in psychosis. Implications for future research are discussed.

Citation

Ng, F., Jordan, G., Lewandowski, F., Ingall, B.-R., & Slade, M. (2024). A bioecological approach to conceptualising posttraumatic growth in psychosis. Psychosis, https://doi.org/10.1080/17522439.2024.2360964

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 23, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 12, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 12, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 28, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 13, 2025
• Journal: Psychosis
• Print ISSN: 1752-2439
• Electronic ISSN: 1752-2447
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17522439.2024.2360964
• Keywords: Bioecological model; posttraumatic growth; mental health; psychosis; positive change
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/35432011
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17522439.2024.2360964