The Relationship Between Complex Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Adolescents Living in Kibagare Informal Settlement

Caroline W. Muraguri, Psy.D., in Clinical Psychology Candidate; Josephine Arasa, Ph.D.; & Michael Kihara, Ph.D., United States International University – Africa

The relationship between trauma and post-traumatic growth in adolescents examines how the pathological effects of trauma are counteracted with great, long-lasting developmental growth impacts. The present study examined the relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth among adolescents living in Kibagare Informal settlements. A descriptive-analytic quantitative design was used to measure the exposure to complex trauma outcomes of PTG elements of adolescents aged 8 to 18 years in the Kibagare Informal Settlement. The study's target population was adolescents from 3,000 households of Kibagare Informal Settlement attending St. Martin's School. Multi-stage sampling was conducted and the sample used in the study was 265 participants. The Child and Adolescent Trauma screening (CATS) tool was used to assess for exposure to traumatic life events and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory for Children Revised (PTGI -C-R) for measuring post-traumatic growth elements. A socio demographic and social support questionnaire was also used. The results showed that despite adolescents being exposed to complex trauma, they were capable of experiencing PTG. The study found a strong significant relationship between complex trauma and post-traumatic growth components and a medium to weak association of complex trauma components and post-traumatic growth elements. A Chi square and the Phi-Cramer's V test were used. The was a high association of exposure to community violence  PS, χ² (6) = 132.137, p< 0.001, Phi of 0.706 and Cramer's V of 0.316; NP χ² (6) = 107.597, p< 0.001, Phi of 0.637 and Cramer's V of 0.285; AL, χ² (6) = 102.360, p< 0.001, Phi of 0.622 and Cramer's V of 0.278. Developing and nurturing PTG among adolescents who are exposed to complex trauma may foster a change in their core belief after a traumatic experience.

Keywords: Post-Traumatic Growth; New Possibilities; Personal Strength; Spiritual Change; Appreciation for Life; Adolescents; Kibagare Informal Settlement