Posttraumatic Cognitions, Posttraumatic Growth, and Personality in University Students

Trauma may lead to different psychological changes, both detrimental or beneficial. This study aimed to a better understanding of these consequences by exploring the relations between traumatic experiences and: Posttraumatic growth (PTG), posttraumatic cognitions (PTC), and personality. Mexican university students (n = 161) answered the Global Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress, the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the Millon Multiaxial Inventory. Participants showed a high prevalence of traumatic exposure, standard personality scores, and PTC and PTG presence. Self-blame cognitions were higher in persons with intentional trauma, and guilt was positively associated with PTG. Histrionic personality was associated positively with PTG and negatively with PTC. Mental health implications are discussed.