The influence of family resilience on help-seeking behaviour and posttraumatic growth of university students with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
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Date
2024
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
The majority of South African university students are exposed to high levels of trauma, crime and violence and are at increased risk of developing mental illnesses such as, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite high trauma exposure and multiple incidences of traumatic events, there are a significant number of students who seem to cope well in the face of adverse circumstances and trauma. This variation raises questions as to whether there are multiple factors and processes that influence the relationship between exposure to traumatic events and the development of posttraumatic growth. The current study explored the relationship between family resilience, help-seeking behaviour and posttraumatic growth of university students who have experienced symptoms of PTSD following the exposure of a traumatic event within the Western Cape. The study made use of a positive psychology framework which focuses on human strengths, rather than on pathology, and tries to build characteristics and positive emotions that can enhance individual wellbeing. A correlational survey design was conducted on students from a university within Cape Town, Western Cape. Ethics was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee and the university's registrar's office granted access to students. The study ensured that informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to the commencement of the study and that all data would be destroyed after five years.
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Keywords
Trauma, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Family resilience, Help-seeking behaviour, Post-traumatic growth