Posttraumatic Growth During Two Consecutive COVID-19 Lockdowns in Greece: Shared and Unique Predictors of its Constructive Aspect

The Posttraumatic growth (PTG) can be real/constructive or illusory. This study seeks to expand previous research by assessing the prevalence and type (real/constructive or illusory) of PTG in the general population during the first and second lockdown in Greece and to clarify the potential predictors (stress indicators, adaptive coping strategies, social support) of the real/constructive type of PTG. The mediating role of the stress indicators in the relationship between positive reframing and PTG was also examined. A sample of 1,361 participants (1.009 in the first lockdown and 352 in the second) completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Brief Cope and the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI). Stable levels of PTG and more frequent use of adaptive coping strategies suggested the real/constructive side of PTG during both lockdowns. Real/constructive PTG was predicted by positive reframing, religious coping, active coping, and instrumental social support. The Posttraumatic Stress symptoms and perceived stress partially mediated the positive reframing-PTG relationship for the first and second lockdown, respectively. The results of this study enhanced our understanding of the real/constructive PTG and inform the design of interventions moving beyond growth cognitions into growth actions.