An approach to both recovery and growth following difficult situations: The perspective of resilience, posttraumatic growth, and mindfulness

Abstract

Stress-related research in psychology has traditionally focused on both understanding and reducing stress responses. This paradigm has changed in recent years to more detailed studies on recovery from extreme stress responses and on growth. Therefore, in addition to paradigms of the past, it has become necessary to develop a process model that includes recovery from psychological maladaptation and trauma, as well as growth. Such a model is expected to facilitate new approaches to both maintaining and promoting well-being during the total lifespan of an individual, as well as to preventing the recurrence of maladaptation. This study focused on “resilience,” “posttraumatic growth,” and “mindfulness,” which are areas that are attracting the attention of researchers working in fields related to stress research. Moreover, a model of recovery from and growth after difficult situations is suggested by applying these concepts.