Acute illness and positive life changes: Can critical health problem lead to personal transformation?

Abstract

Experiencing acute illness usually associated with psychological distress. However, some survivors also experience positive psychological development in the post disorders period. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the extent of perceived post traumatic growth among acutely ill patients. Research design: Quantitative descriptive research design was utilized to carry out this study in acute care units at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Sampling: A purposive sampling technique was used to select 100 adult patients who admitted with acute illness and were conscious and have history of recurrent acute episode. Data collection tools: two tools were used to conduct the study; the first tool “Growth related factors assessment sheet” was developed to assess factors affecting personal growth. The second tool “Arabic post traumatic growth inventory short form scale” was adopted and translated into Arabic to evaluate the extent of post traumatic growth.  Results: The results show higher levels of post traumatic growth during acute illness episodes; the mean score was (43.34±4.56). In-addition, there was a significant association (p<0.05) between growth related factors (e.g. diagnosis, psychological assistance, living style, management received) and perceived post traumatic growth. Conclusion: highly extent of post traumatic growth can developed during acute illness and affected with personal features, psychosocial support, and type of management received. Recommendation: Guiding the acute care nurses to start stress management interventions early during acute episode and focused on identifying positive outcomes and meaning in patient’s experiences.