Post-traumatic growth from grief – a narrative literature review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of existing literature on post-traumatic growth (PTG), particularly in the ways that it relates to grief.

Design/methodology/approach

This narrative literature review brings together 125 sources and presents them in a readable way.

Findings

There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that PTG can come from grief. This is not always the case, however.

Research limitations/implications

This review presents only a selection of the existing literature – the review is not systematic. However, this allows for a narrative to be crafted, to aid readability.

Practical implications

Suggestions for future research are made throughout, and potential therapeutic applications are mentioned.

Social implications

This paper discusses stigma, in the form of “disenfranchised grief”. In this, social pressures and expectations affect how a person processes their grief psychologically. While movements to increase discourse and reduce stigma are on the rise, more is needed.

Originality/value

This review guides readers through existing literature, providing a wide overview of the topic of PTG in grief.

Citation

Hurst, R. and Kannangara, C. (2024), "Post-traumatic growth from grief – a narrative literature review", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 261-273. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-09-2022-0059