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AbstractChildhood bereavement is a significant event with potential long-term impacts on development. Despite growing interest in post-traumatic growth (PTG) following traumatic events, research specifically addressing PTG in the context of childhood bereavement remains sparse. This systematic review consolidates findings from six quantitative and six qualitative studies exploring PTG in children and adolescents bereaved of a parent, other family members, or a friend. The analysis reveals that bereaved young individuals are capable of experiencing considerable growth post-loss. However, the relationship between age and PTG levels is not clearly established, leaving a gap in the developmental underpinning for PTG. This review suggests that PTG often manifests within a few years post-bereavement but may decline over time. Unexpected loss is marginally associated with greater PTG, whereas there is no evidence to suggest that closeness of the relationship with the deceased correlates with PTG. Qualitative studies revealed three core themes of PTG among bereaved youths: positive transformations in overall relationships, personal development, and changed life outlook. Growth aspects unique to this population were further identified. The study highlights unexplored areas in PTG research, particularly emphasizing the necessity of integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address the intricacies of post-childhood-loss transformation, which is essential for developing effective, person-centred clinical services for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionThe study aimed to investigate the level of peritraumatic distress in relation to possible traumatic outcomes in university personnel and students across three pandemic waves.Three cross-sectional surveys were conducted to investigate university students and staff (n = 1426). An online survey including the COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI), Ways of Coping, Impact of Events Scale (IES), and Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were administered across three waves. Psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of CPDI were assessed and associations between peri/posttraumatic stress and coping were explored. Cluster analysis based on posttraumatic stress and growth was used to identify subgroups.An increasing trend of peritraumatic stress over the waves was found. Regression analyses revealed that two coping styles, cognitive restructuring and problem analysis were negatively and positively associated, respectively, with both peritraumatic and posttraumatic stress. Two-step cluster analysis conducted on PTGI and IES scores yielded three clusters of posttraumatic changes: IES-low/PTGI-low, IES-high/PTGI-low and IES moderate/PTGI-high. Multinomial regression showed that cognitive restructuring and peritraumatic stress were significant predictors of cluster membership.Our findings point out that cognitive restructuring may be effective for dealing with longer-term psychological results of traumatic life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, even in highly exposed groups of the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article intends to explore the rational association connecting Kurt Vonnegut's encounter with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Growth's impact on his narrative. Previous literature lean on linking the authors' spring of creativity to PTSD, it is a legitimate intent, for this study, to look at things differently attempting to verify the potential facet(s) of transformation. The centre focus of this paper is analyzing Vonnegut's healing process to explore PTG's affirmative connotations and how much serenity it can provide on the long term. In other words, we investigate if trauma narratives, trauma fiction in Slaughterhouse-five and Timequake, are vivid transcripts of the progressive healing process as a proof of PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a possible common reaction to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about correlates of PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines associations between combat exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), general self‐efficacy (GSE), and PTG among Israeli female veterans. This is a cross‐sectional studyA volunteer sample of female Israeli combat veterans (n = 616) and non‐combat veterans (n = 484) responded to self‐report questionnaires. Combat veterans reported higher levels of combat exposure, PTSS, GSE, and PTG, as compared to non‐combat veterans. Among combat veterans, combat exposure and GSE were associated with greater PTG. Importantly, PTSS and GSE mediated the link between combat exposure and PTG. The study's findings are among the first to report about possible psychological growth outcomes among Israeli combat veterans. Clinicians treating female veterans coping with combat trauma should be aware of the heterogeneity of reactions to military service challenges and the importance of enhancing veterans' GSE to facilitate PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support can promote posttraumatic growth (PTG) in the general trauma population. However, evidence on the reciprocal predictive relationship between social support and PTG is lacking, particularly among the bereaved. In this longitudinal study, we surveyed 181 adults who had lost first‐degree relatives within 1 year at three intervals, each 6 months apart. The study utilized The Scale of Social Support in Bereavement (SSB), which distinguishes four domains of social support for the bereaved: living support, economic support, grief processing and emotion restoration. Additionally, The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) was used to measure PTG. Random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model analyses revealed that social support and PTG were positively correlated at each time point at the within‐person level. Moreover, at the within‐person level, the total social support, as well as social support in the restoration‐oriented domains at Time 2, positively predicted PTG at Time 3, but this relationship was not observed for grief processing support. Additionally, PTG at Time 1 positively predicted the receipt of emotion restoration support at Time 2 at the within‐person level. The mutual influence between PTG and social support, as well as the differential relationship between types of support and PTG, enriches our understanding of ways to promote positive changes among the bereaved. The findings underscore the importance of restoration‐oriented social support for bereaved individuals in facilitating PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic is a major public health crisis, which may bring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as post-traumatic growth (PTG) to healthcare professionals. The current study aimed to assess coexistence patterns of PTSD and PTG among healthcare workers during the first outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It also explored whether social support and self-disclosure could predict group membership. The questionnaire survey was conducted among Chinese front-line healthcare workers three months after the first outbreak of COVID-19, and 500 valid responses were obtained. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to analyze the data, and logistic regression was used to examine the predicting effect of social support and self-disclosure. Four latent classes were identified: low PTSD/high PTG (Class 1, 53.2%), moderate PTSD/high PTG (Class 2, 28.0%), moderate PTSD/moderate PTG (Class 3, 6.4%), and high PTSD/high PTG (Class 4, 12.4%). None of the demographic information predicted the membership. Members with "low PTSD/high PTG" were associated with high social support and high self-disclosure of distress. Meanwhile, social support and self-disclosure differentiated those with the same moderate level of PTSD but showed higher or lower PTG. The results of this study confirmed that PTSD and PTG coexist among frontline healthcare workers, and PTG is prominent among them. Social support and self-disclosure are protective factors for low-stress and high-growth combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pelvic pain affects 38 per 1,000 women yearly (Daniels & Khan, 2010; Zondervan et al., 1999), accompanied by various psychological sequelae. Positive psychology may offer new approaches to pelvic pain that complement existing interventions; these include post-traumatic growth (PTG), optimism, resilience, and models of recovery. In a sample of 132 females (aged 16 to 45+), cross-sectional research revealed that participants with pelvic pain of unknown cause had the highest levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A regression analysis revealed that intrusive rumination, avoidant coping, and resilience were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms, and resilience and social support were predictors of PTG. Understanding the elements of positive psychology could help create positive psychology interventions focusing on chronic pelvic pain's impact on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to systematically review the relationship between religiosity and posttraumatic growth among the survivors of sexual assaults. A search of the published literature identified 05 empirical studies that reported links between religiosity and posttraumatic growth among sexual assault survivors. This review identified three main findings: an association between religiosity and PTG among sexual assault survivors. Second, religious and spiritual coping was found to be associated with the development of posttraumatic growth. Third, the traumatic experiences from sexual assault can lead to the deepening of religiosity/spirituality. Despite limited evidence, individual's beliefs can impact posttrauma thriving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are possible reactions to exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) during military service. However, knowledge about patterns of both PTSS and PTG among female combat veterans is sparse. This study examines constellations of PTSS and PTG among Israeli female combat veterans, as well as military‐related exposure and positive psychological correlates of these constellations. Methods: A volunteer sample of Israeli women combat veterans (n = 885) responded to self‐report questionnaires in a cross‐sectional design study. Results: Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify four profiles characterized by unique constellations of PTSS and PTG: moderate PTSS and high PTG (33%), moderate PTSS and moderate PTG (30%), low PTSS and high PTG (30%), and low PTSS and PTG (5.5%). Higher levels of combat experiences were associated with higher odds of inclusion in the moderate PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and moderate PTG profiles. Moreover, compared to the other classes, both low PTSS and high PTG and moderate PTSS and high PTG classes were associated with higher levels of satisfaction with life and happiness psychological outcomes. Conclusion: The study's findings offer an overview of the complex pattern of associations between PTSS, PTG, and associated predictors and outcomes. Clinicians treating female veterans should be aware of the varying reactions to military service challenges, including the presence of moderate to high levels of PTG reactions in addition to PTSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes that can occur from the struggle with traumatic experiences. Literature suggests the caregiving experience in psychosis is one which can be highly traumatic. Yet, more recently, a small but growing body of research suggests that positive aspects to caring as well as growth narratives can also result from this experience. The aim of this review was to identify facilitators of PTG in family members caring for an individual with psychosis. The review utilised thematic synthesis to analyse the included qualitative studies. A search of nine electronic databases was performed (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PILOTS, ProQuest Central, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science). Qualitative studies were included if any domains of PTG were reported. A total of twelve papers, including 156 participants met inclusion criteria and were analysed in the review. Thematic synthesis yielded four overarching themes, along with a number of subthemes: Unbreakable Family Bond, Meaning Making through Suffering, Strength through Solidarity and Accepting the Journey. Findings of this review suggest that caregivers can and do experience PTG when certain facilitators are present. Professionals can play a vital role in supporting caregivers to adjust to and progress along their journey in developing posttraumatic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ambulance personnel are exposed to traumatic and stressful situations, which can increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). High rates of PTSD have been found in ambulance personnel (Petrie et al., 2018), but no review is available to examine post-traumatic growth (PTG - positive psychological change following a trauma) in this population. This literature review provides an overview of the prevalence rates and facilitators that may contribute to PTG in ambulance personnel. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on EBSCOhost in January 2024 across the following six databases: Academic Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, MEDLINE, ERIC and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Ultimate. Results: Eleven papers were identified for this review. Pooled prevalence of PTG was moderate (52%), and facilitators for PTG were grouped into five categories: coping style/strategies, resilience, personality traits, gender and incident characteristics. Conclusions: Numerous facilitators contributed to the development of PTG, although these did not arise in all papers. The quality of research ranged from satisfactory to excellent. Evidence suggested that adaptive coping style, high levels of resilience, the absence of a personality trait (neuroticism) and being female may facilitate PTG. Further research is needed to support the reliability of findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) often results in significant challenges, yet it may also facilitate Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). This review explores a critical question: “What are the main factors contributing to PTG following ABI, and what potential barriers to its development are perceived by ABI survivors?” Here we aim to systematically uncover these contributors and barriers to PTG through a meta-synthesis, involving a comprehensive review of previously published qualitative research on this topic. A literature search was conducted across PsycINFO, CINAHL, and MEDLINE up to December 2022 to identify studies for inclusion. From an initial pool of 1,946 records, eleven articles were selected for inclusion. Reflexive thematic analysis yielded three analytical themes including “Journey to Self-Rediscovery”, “Strength in Connection” and “Overcoming Obstacles”. Our findings also revealed facilitators and barriers across multiple levels of scale including personal (e.g., acceptance versus resignation), interpersonal (e.g., positive social ties versus difficulties making social connections), and systemic (e.g., new meaning and purpose versus financial constraints) scales. Our research extends existing knowledge in ABI rehabilitation, providing a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics influencing PTG with implications for clinicians seeking to promote wellbeing following brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood condition characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to chronic hemolysis and vaso-occlusive complications. Caregivers of children with SCD often experience significant distress, akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to measure the degree of trauma and post-traumatic growth among parents (caregivers) of children with SCD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 294 primary caregivers were recruited for this study, through direct phone calls and online outreach using contact information obtained from their primary treating physician in Maternity and Children Hospitals and the Hereditary Blood Diseases Center in Al-Ahsa. Inclusion criteria required caregivers not to be receiving professional mental health care and to have a child with SCD below the age of 18. Results indicate that caregiver gender significantly affected IESR scores, with mothers reporting higher scores than fathers. Family income had a significant effect on IESR as well. In terms of education level, higher-educated caregivers were less likely to experience severe trauma. Significant differences emerged between online and phone interview participants, with online respondents reporting higher post-traumatic growth and higher trauma levels. This study represents a crucial step in understanding the challenges faced by caregivers of children with SCD in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. However, the study has limitations, including a substantial portion of the sample being from a single clinic and a cross-sectional design.

This systematic review is the first to synthesize and critically evaluate the literature on the experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG) following imprisonment. It was conducted and reported in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for mixed methods systematic reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Five electronic databases were searched and the JBI meta-aggregate approach to data synthesis was employed. Four synthesized findings were developed from the 10 included studies: PTG following imprisonment is experienced as improved (1) self-perception, (2) relationships, (3) outlook on life, and (4) Facilitators of prison related PTG. Clinical implications call for increased engagement in the factors shown to facilitate PTG in custody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Campus lockdown orders were issued for the purpose of preventing and controlling COVID-19, which resulted in psychological problems among college students. However, the experiences they have during the pandemic may also lead to positive personal changes, including posttraumatic growth (PTG). The current study examined the mediating role of belief in a just world and meaning in life in social support and PTG during the COVID-19 campus lockdown. Method: An online survey was conducted on 1711 college students in Hebei Province, China. Based on the survey results, a structural equation model was established. Results: Social support positively predicted PTG. Furthermore, belief in a just world and meaning in life played a mediating role between social support and PTG respectively. Besides, social support could also predict PTG through the multiple serial mediating effect of belief in a just world and meaning in life. Conclusion: These results indicated mechanisms by which social support influenced PTG, and this provided insights into how to promote post- traumatic growth among university students in the post-pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims contributing to develop a cathode for CO 2 methanation in tubular co-ionic (H+/O2− conducting) SOECs and to cell operation optimization to decrease energy input and costs for advancing process application. It studies the effect of temperature (325-550 °C) and potential (from −2 to +2 V at 450 °C) on CO 2 conversion and selectivity to CH 4 and CO, at bench scale, at atmospheric pressure and using high flowrates (42 NL/h) and realistic compositions (4H 2 /CO 2 binary mix), over a Cu film (<2 μm) coated by electroless on an anode (Ni-BZCY)-supported solid electrolyte (BZCY) candle. CH 4 preferentially forms over CO. CH 4 selectivity increases with temperature up to 97.3% at 400 °C, from which, CH 4 and CO selectivity decreases and increases, respectively. The optimum potential is −0.5V, as maximizes CH 4 selectivity (94.2%) and minimizes energy cost (0.002 kWh/kg CH 4) with high CO 2 conversion (32.5%) and low CO selectivity (5.8%), resulting in higher CH 4 yield and lower CH 4 purification cost. [Display omitted] • CO 2 methanation on Cu/BZCY in a tubular cell configuration under realistic conditions. • Control of CH 4 production by modifying the applied potential at medium temperatures. • Maximum CH 4 yield and Faradaic efficiency and minimum energy cost at −0.5V and 450 °C. • Minimum CO selectivity associated with lower CH 4 purification cost at −0.5V and 450 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: In addition to negative psychological reactions, individuals who experienced traumatic events may also show positive psychological and behavioral changes. This study examined the relationships between social support, belief in a just world (BJW), empathy, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and prosocial behaviors to clarify whether PTG and prosocial behaviors had shared or unique underlying mechanisms. Method: We used a self-reported questionnaire to investigate 920 adolescents that experienced a catastrophic flood in Henan Province, China, in July 2021. Structured equation modeling was used for the data analysis. Results: After controlling for trauma exposure, social support was directly related to both PTG and prosocial behaviors. Social support was also indirectly related to both PTG and prosocial behaviors via BJW. Moreover, social support was indirectly associated with prosocial behavior via empathy and via the path from BJW to empathy. Conclusions: These findings indicate that BJW and empathy play different roles in the relationships between social support and PTG and prosocial behavior, and suggest these relationships have unique mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until the third trimester of 2022, 103 million people worldwide had been forced to leave their homes and become refugees. The traumatic experiences of refugees can lead not only to mental disorders but also to Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). (1) To find the variables positively and negatively associated with PTG in refugees. (2) To investigate the relationship between PTG and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among refugees. We systematically searched Medline, Web of Knowledge, PsycInfo, Scopus, and PTSD Pubs for studies about PTG in refugees. Epidemiological studies using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Grey literature, reviews, and meta‐analysis. Risk of bias was assessed by the 'The Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool'. We included 24 studies investigating PTG and associated factors. The factors positively associated with PTG were social support, regular migration status, religiosity, satisfaction with life, time, and problem‐focussed and emotion‐focussed coping. The factors negatively associated with PTG were: irregular migration status, emotional suppression, and avoidance coping. Studies on PTG in refugees are essential to finding new ways to address mental health in this field. Few studies offered risk of bias, particularly regarding the sample selection. We conclude that PTG may be influenced by many factors and it would be of importance that the centres for support, as well as public policies, took that into account to foster the outcome and not only to focus on disease. This study was partially supported by CAPES and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020215607). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One study found that torture survivors are more resilient and develop higher posttraumatic growth (PTG) than nontortured refugees and suggested that this is due to their higher group identity salience. Will to exist, live, survive, and fight (WTELS-F) is intimately related to identity salience. The present study aims to check the replicability of these earlier counterintuitive findings and if potentially higher WTELS-F in torture survivors explains these differences. Using a sample of 891 internally displaced Syrians (461 were torture survivors) and measures for resilience, social support, PTG, and WTELS-F, we analyzed the differences between tortured and nontortured in the measured variables. We used structural equation modeling to check if torture predicts higher WTELS-F that mediates a higher resilience and PTG in torture survivors. Results replicated the earlier findings. Torture predicts higher WTELS-F that mediated its effects on resilience and PTG in torture survivors. The clinical implications of the results were briefly discussed. Public Significance Statement: The study provided evidence of the underlying dynamics behind torture survivors' higher resilience and PTG compared to other nontortured refugees and internally displaced. Torture primed their will to exist, live, survive, and fight and stimulated their resilience and PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phloretin (Phl) is a flavonoid compound that contains multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups. It is found in many plants, such as apple leaves, lychee pericarp, and begonia, and has various biological activities, such as antioxidant and anticancer effects. The strong hydrogen bonding between Phl molecules results in poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and thus the scope of the clinical application of Phl is limited. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the water solubility of Phl for its use to further combat or alleviate skin aging and oxidative damage and develop antioxidant products for the skin. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a phloretin transfersome gel (PTG) preparation for transdermal drug delivery to improve the bioavailability of the drug and delay aging. Methods: Phloretin transfersomes (Phl-TFs) were prepared and optimized by the thin-film dispersion–ultrasonication method. Phl-TFs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Log P method was used to determine the solubility of the Phl-TFs. The skin penetration ability of the prepared PTG was evaluated using the Franz diffusion cell method. In addition, the in vivo pharmacokinetics of PTG were studied in rats, and an antioxidant activity investigation was conducted using a D-gal rat model. Results: Phl-TFs were successfully prepared with a Soybean Phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/CHOL ratio of 2.7:1 w/v, a phloretin concentration of 1.3 mg/mL, a hydration time of 46 min, an ultrasound time of 5 min, and an ultrasound power of 180 W. The Log P was 2.26, which was significantly higher than that of phloretin (p < 0.05, paired t test). The results of the in vitro penetration test demonstrated that the cumulative skin penetration of the Phl-TFs after 24 h was 842.73 ± 20.86 μg/cm2. The data from an in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that the Cmax and AUC of PTG were 1.39- and 1.97-fold higher than those of the phloretin solution gel (PSG), respectively (p < 0.05, paired t test). The experimental results in aging rats showed that PTG had a better antioxidant effect. Conclusions: Phl-TFs and PTG preparations with a good shape, safety, and stability were successfully prepared. In vivo pharmacokinetics and preliminary antioxidant experiments further verified the transdermal penetration and antioxidant activity of the phloretin transdermal drug delivery preparation, providing an experimental basis for its further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel modified strontium hydroxyapatite (Ni/Sr-HAP) supported catalysts are studied in selective methanation of CO/CO2. In this work, a new type of nano rod-shaped strontium hydroxyapatite-based catalysts with two different sizes and aspect ratios were prepared by sol–gel method and in next step, Ni precursor was wet impregnated i.e., denoted as Ni/Sr-HAP and Ni/Sr-HAP(F127). The catalytic tests were performed in CO and CO2 methanation reactions and evaluated the light-off temperatures curves (225–450 °C) under ambient pressure in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, SEM, TPR, CO2/H2-TPD and H2-chemisorption techniques. From XRD analysis, both Ni/Sr-HAP and Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) were identified as the hydroxyapatite type structure with high crystallinity and very low intensity peaks corresponds to strontium phosphates as the main phase and structure. The TEM and SEM micrographs of Ni/Sr-HAP catalysts displayed a nano- rod shaped morphology with different dimensions and exhibited average Ni particle size of ~ 9.2 nm. While Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) shown the rod size in the length in the range of 100–250 nm and width in the range of 20–40 nm with average Ni particle size 5.7 nm. The F127 mediated support Sr-HAP synthesis i.e., Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) mesoporous catalyst possessed higher metal surface with smaller Ni particles size and possessed higher CO2 adsorption capacity. The medium strength basic sites of Ni/Sr-HAP catalyst played an important role in methanation reactions. Based on the characterization and the catalysts activity results, small sized nanorods of Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) is the most active and selective catalyst due to the higher Ni dispersion, higher amounts of medium basic sites, and reducibility character than the bigger nanorods based Ni/Sr-HAP catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel modified strontium hydroxyapatite (Ni/Sr-HAP) supported catalysts are studied in selective methanation of CO/CO2. In this work, a new type of nano rod-shaped strontium hydroxyapatite-based catalysts with two different sizes and aspect ratios were prepared by sol–gel method and in next step, Ni precursor was wet impregnated i.e., denoted as Ni/Sr-HAP and Ni/Sr-HAP(F127). The catalytic tests were performed in CO and CO2 methanation reactions and evaluated the light-off temperatures curves (225–450 °C) under ambient pressure in a fixed-bed flow reactor. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, SEM, TPR, CO2/H2-TPD and H2-chemisorption techniques. From XRD analysis, both Ni/Sr-HAP and Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) were identified as the hydroxyapatite type structure with high crystallinity and very low intensity peaks corresponds to strontium phosphates as the main phase and structure. The TEM and SEM micrographs of Ni/Sr-HAP catalysts displayed a nano- rod shaped morphology with different dimensions and exhibited average Ni particle size of ~ 9.2 nm. While Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) shown the rod size in the length in the range of 100–250 nm and width in the range of 20–40 nm with average Ni particle size 5.7 nm. The F127 mediated support Sr-HAP synthesis i.e., Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) mesoporous catalyst possessed higher metal surface with smaller Ni particles size and possessed higher CO2 adsorption capacity. The medium strength basic sites of Ni/Sr-HAP catalyst played an important role in methanation reactions. Based on the characterization and the catalysts activity results, small sized nanorods of Ni/Sr-HAP(F127) is the most active and selective catalyst due to the higher Ni dispersion, higher amounts of medium basic sites, and reducibility character than the bigger nanorods based Ni/Sr-HAP catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to explore how COVID-19-traumatized populations cope using a coping model based on wills to exist, live, and survive (WTELS) that leads to positive coping and posttraumatic growth (PTG). We used data from 11 Arab countries (N = 2732), including Egypt (N = 831), and included measures for COVID-19 stressors (COVID-fear, economic, lockdown, and grief stressors), WTELS, resilience, religiosity, spirituality, social support, and PTG. We conducted ANOVA on the main sample to explore the differences between Arab countries, hierarchical regressions, and path analysis on the Egyptian subsample to test a model of the effects on WTELS. In the path model, WTELS was the independent variable. Other coping strategies were mediating variables, and COVID-19 stressor types were outcome variables. ANOVA on the main sample indicated that Egypt was the highest on COVID-19 stressors (infection fears, economic, lockdown, and grief stressors), actual infection, and WTELS. Hierarchical regression indicated that social support, resilience, and WTELS were positive predictors of PTG, with WTELS had the highest effect size (β =.41) and WTELS being a negative predictor of COVID-19 stressors, while resilience and social support were not. Path analysis indicated that WTELS predicted higher religiosity, spirituality, social support, resilience, and lower COVID-19 stressors. Religiosity predicted higher spirituality, social support, and resilience and lower COVID-19 stressors. Interfaith spirituality predicted higher resilience and lower COVID-19 grief stressors. The results validated the central role of WTELS. Results helped to identify potentially effective interventions with COVID-19 victims that focus on WTELS, spirituality, and religiosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been traumatogenic for some people, posttraumatic growth (PTG) outcomes have also been observed. This study examined the PTG in adolescents and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and PTG. An online questionnaire was conducted on 2090 adolescent Chinese students to measure COVID-19 related exposure, self-efficacy, PTSD, and PTG. PTG prevalence was found in 20.6% of the sample, with the relationship between PTSD and PTG being found to be a reverse U-shaped curve. Objective exposure factors were found to be closely associated with PTSD symptoms but not with PTG. Similarly, subjective feelings of extreme fear were significantly associated with PTSD symptoms but not with PTG. Self-efficacy was found to be positively correlated with PTG (r = 0.551) and to moderate the relationship between PTSD and PTG. For those with low self-efficacy, the higher the PTSD, the higher the PTG, and for those with high self-efficacy, the higher the PTSD, the lower the PTG. As an improved sense of self-efficacy in adolescents could promote positive psychological transformations, these results could assist in identifying self-efficacy levels and providing guidance for targeted psychological interventions to promote positive growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise-induced fatigue and exhaustion are interesting areas for many researchers. Muscle glycogen is critical for physical performance. However, how glycogen metabolism is manipulated during exercise is not very clear. The aim here is to assess the impact of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) on skeletal muscle glycogen and subsequent regulation of exercise capacity. Skeletal muscle-specific IRF4 knockout mice show normal body weight and insulin sensitivity, but better exercise capacity and increased glycogen content with unaltered triglyceride levels compared to control mice on chow diet. In contrast, mice overexpression of IRF4 displays decreased exercise capacity and lower glycogen content. Mechanistically, IRF4 regulates glycogen-associated regulatory subunit protein targeting to glycogen (PTG) to manipulate glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle. Knockdown of PTG can reverse the effects imposed by the absence of IRF4 in vivo. These studies reveal a regulatory pathway including IRF4/PTG/glycogen synthesis on controlling exercise capacity.

The possibility of positive psychological changes after cancer, namely, posttraumatic growth, is a growing field of research. Identifying personality traits and coping strategies related to posttraumatic growth may help find vulnerable individuals as well as promote helpful coping strategies to help more patients make positive changes at an early stage. The aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an overview of the quantitative data on coping strategies and personality traits associated with posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer and cancer survivors as well as the methods used in included studies. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases (PubMed, PubPsych, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PSYNDEXplus). The 70 reports of included studies assessed posttraumatic growth using questionnaires in a sample of patients with cancer or survivors. In addition, associations with a personality trait or coping strategy had to be examined cross-sectionally or longitudinally. All 1698 articles were screened for titles and abstracts by two authors, after which disputed articles were reviewed by a third author. Afterwards, articles were screened for full texts. Most studies had a cross-sectional design and used a sample of patients with breast cancer. Coping strategies have been researched more than personality factors. The personality traits of resilience, hardiness, dispositional positive affectivity, and dispositional gratitude seem to be related to posttraumatic growth, while the Big Five personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) have been less researched and/or seem to be unrelated. The use of social support, religious coping, positive reframing, and reflection during illness as coping strategies seems to be related to posttraumatic growth. The findings can be used for the development of interventions. Future studies should investigate associations longitudinally.

The coupling of a reversible Solid Oxide Cell (rSOC) with an offshore wind turbine is investigated to evaluate the mutual benefits in terms of local energy management. This integrated system has been simulated with a dynamic model under a control algorithm which manages the rSOC operation in relation to the wind resource, implementing a local hydrogen storage with a double function: (i) assure power supply to the wind turbine auxiliary systems during power shortages, (ii) valorize the heat produced to cover the desalinization system needs. With an export-based strategy, which maximize the rSOC capacity factor, up to 15 tons of hydrogen could be produced for other purposes. The results show the compatibility between the auxiliary systems supply of a 2.3 MW wind turbine and a 120/21 kWe rSOC system which can cover the auxiliaries demand during wind shortages or maintenance. The total volume required by such a system occupy less than the 2%, if compared with the turbine tower volume. Additionally, thermal availability exceeds the desalination needs, representing a promising solution for small-scale onsite desalination in offshore environments.

The beneficial effect of mindfulness in promoting posttraumatic growth has been well established in research, but it remains unclear what psychological mechanisms mediate it. This study examined the mediating roles of positive reappraisal and self-compassion on the relationship between mindfulness and posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer. A random sample of 550 patients drawn from two medical health care institutions in southeast, Nigeria participated in this study. Results of mediation analysis showed that positive reappraisal and self-compassion independently mediated the relationship between mindfulness and posttraumatic growth. These findings underscore the usefulness of mindfulness-based therapies in promoting cognitive emotional processes such as positive reappraisal abilities and self-compassion, which are essential in facilitating posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the psychosocial factors that predict recovery and promote growth from trauma is critical to effective management of oncology patients. Although previous studies have shown that mindfulness and meaning in life could be predictors of post-traumatic growth (PTG), no study to date has explored the combined role of mindfulness and meaning in life in the development of PTG among cancer patients. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 957 cancer patients (46.8% male, 53.2% female) who completed relevant self-report measures. Results showed that the presence of meaning in life mediated the relationship between mindfulness and PTG. However, the mediation effect of search for meaning in life was not significant. These findings indicate that the presence of meaning in life is an essential mechanism of mindfulness in facilitating PTG. Therefore, psychosocial interventions geared towards promoting PTG should consider mindfulness as a potential effective component in improving cancer patients' ability to find meaning in life and possibly promote recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK using an online questionnaire, in May and June 2020, during "lockdown." Some 440 participants took part and 91.8% of the sample was female. Large numbers of participants had high levels of PTSD, with some 50.2% with "probable PTSD". Yet 49.5% of participants also demonstrated high levels of PTG. Regression analysis revealed rumination to be key predictors for PTSD and PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic behavior of a methanation process is analyzed in the context of Power to Gas (PtG) technology, to convert carbon dioxide from different sources and hydrogen produced via electrolysis with renewable energy to synthetic methane. The process configuration consists of a single cooled plug flow reactor (PFR) where both ruthenium and nickel-based kinetic models are tested in the Aspen Dynamics simulation environment. In particular, dynamic analyses are performed to study the start-up and shut-down phases and respect injection parameters in the existing gas network. The process consists of three main sections: conditioning, reaction and separation. After the development and optimization of the control system, the start-up and shut-down tests are carried out, to study the trend of composition for the injection in the gas network. The plant size is set according to the following values: 700 Nm3/h of hydrogen and 175 Nm3/h of carbon dioxide, which correspond to the methanation reaction stochiometric ratio. Different cases are considered in both the start-up and shut-down tests, by changing the GHSV values and the catalyst adopted. Moreover, in the shut-down test two different rates are considered to evaluate the behavior of the system. [Display omitted] • The methanation process is synthetized to produce approximately 323 Nm3/h of SNG. • Ru and Ni-based kinetic models are tested in a PFR with different GHSV values. • Optimization of tuning parameters is performed to enhance control system efficiency. • Shut-down and start-up phases are evaluated with dynamic simulations in PtG system. • SNG injection is investigated with hydrogen load variation (−10, −13, +17.5 kmol/h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People living with cancer may experience death anxiety and depression which may impact their experience of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Social support is a psychosocial resource that protects against negative psychological outcome. Although a direct association among these variables exist, little is known about their interactive effect. Dwelling on the buffering hypothesis, this study examined the role of social support in the association of death anxiety and PTG. We further investigated whether depression-PTG relationship would be moderated by social support. Cancer patients (N = 412) were randomly selected from two healthcare institutions. Participants completed relevant self report measures, and data were analyzed using Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results showed that social support buffered the effect of death anxiety on PTG. The relationship between depression and PTG was also moderated by social support. Interventions to facilitate PTG should target social support network of patients due to its potentials in buffering the effect of death-related anxiety and depression on patients’ PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of positive psychological changes after cancer, namely, posttraumatic growth, is a growing field of research. Identifying personality traits and coping strategies related to posttraumatic growth may help find vulnerable individuals as well as promote helpful coping strategies to help more patients make positive changes at an early stage. The aim of this systematic literature review is to provide an overview of the quantitative data on coping strategies and personality traits associated with posttraumatic growth in patients with cancer and cancer survivors as well as the methods used in included studies. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases (PubMed, PubPsych, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and PSYNDEXplus). The 70 reports of included studies assessed posttraumatic growth using questionnaires in a sample of patients with cancer or survivors. In addition, associations with a personality trait or coping strategy had to be examined cross-sectionally or longitudinally. All 1698 articles were screened for titles and abstracts by two authors, after which disputed articles were reviewed by a third author. Afterwards, articles were screened for full texts. Most studies had a cross-sectional design and used a sample of patients with breast cancer. Coping strategies have been researched more than personality factors. The personality traits of resilience, hardiness, dispositional positive affectivity, and dispositional gratitude seem to be related to posttraumatic growth, while the Big Five personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) have been less researched and/or seem to be unrelated. The use of social support, religious coping, positive reframing, and reflection during illness as coping strategies seems to be related to posttraumatic growth. The findings can be used for the development of interventions. Future studies should investigate associations longitudinally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive health endpoints are not the opposite of negative endpoints. Previous studies examining posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) trajectories have overlooked the co-existence of PTSD and PTG, making it difficult to accurately distinguish individuals with various posttraumatic presentations, causing the effects of targeted interventions to be discounted. To fill this gap, the current study sought to examine joint PTSD and PTG trajectories in children and adolescents. Eight hundred and seventy-six Chinese children and adolescents were recruited to complete self-report questionnaires 6, 12, and 18 months after the Ya'an earthquake. Multiple-process growth mixture modeling analysis was used to test the study proposal. Five distinct joint PTSD and PTG trajectory types were found: recovery, growth, struggling, resistant, and delayed symptoms. Female students and students who felt trapped or fearful were more likely to be in the struggling group, and students who experienced injury to themselves or family members were more likely to belong to the delayed symptom group. These findings suggest that postdisaster psychological services should be provided to relieve delayed symptoms in individuals who experience injury to themselves or their family members, and individuals in the struggling group should be supported to achieve growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and purposeThe geographic location of the Gulf South leaves communities in continuous threat, response, and recovery disaster cycles. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 provided an opportunity to study disaster mental health. Less than 5 years after the storm, many Hurricane Katrina survivors were impacted again by the Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill. Despite adversities impacting Gulf communities, over 90% of participants reported they were resilient. The purpose of this study was to improve the understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to strengths following adversity in communities affected by repeated disasters. Specifically, we focused on survivor perceptions of personal, spiritual, or community changes in efforts to describe community resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG).MethodsParticipants were recruited through a quantitative survey and community flyers. Participants represented southeastern Louisiana, in areas impacted by hurricanes and the oil spill—for a total of five focus groups and 41 participants. Focus groups began by asking each participant to provide a brief overview of their disaster survival story and three additional guiding strengths-based questions. Data were transcribed using Dragon Speech Recognition software. A total of 963 unique responses were analyzed and coded.ResultsThe following themes were identified: connectedness (n = 259), coping (n = 94), spirituality (n = 60), adaptability (n = 47), and self-reliance (n = 23). Participants noted a growth mindset from the disasters and also acknowledged coinciding negative experiences (n = 154) associated with community change and loss, where subthemes included change in connectedness (n = 97), crime (n = 26), and feeling like an outsider (n = 31).Discussion and implicationsThese findings help scholars and mental health practitioners better understand the lived experiences of PTG in a community of survivors impacted by recurring traumatic experiences. In keeping with previous literature, PTG and negative experiences associated with trauma are not mutually exclusive, but occur simultaneously. Our results offer a holistic picture of coping with cumulative or repeated traumas and suggest that connectedness, coping, and spirituality provide important buffers to negative psychosocial outcomes.

Background: Phloretin (Phl) is a flavonoid compound that contains multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups. It is found in many plants, such as apple leaves, lychee pericarp, and begonia, and has various biological activities, such as antioxidant and anticancer effects. The strong hydrogen bonding between Phl molecules results in poor water solubility and low bioavailability, and thus the scope of the clinical application of Phl is limited. Therefore, it is particularly important to improve the water solubility of Phl for its use to further combat or alleviate skin aging and oxidative damage and develop antioxidant products for the skin. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a phloretin transfersome gel (PTG) preparation for transdermal drug delivery to improve the bioavailability of the drug and delay aging. Methods: Phloretin transfersomes (Phl-TFs) were prepared and optimized by the thin-film dispersion–ultrasonication method. Phl-TFs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Log P method was used to determine the solubility of the Phl-TFs. The skin penetration ability of the prepared PTG was evaluated using the Franz diffusion cell method. In addition, the in vivo pharmacokinetics of PTG were studied in rats, and an antioxidant activity investigation was conducted using a D-gal rat model. Results: Phl-TFs were successfully prepared with a Soybean Phosphatidylcholine (SPC)/CHOL ratio of 2.7:1 w/v, a phloretin concentration of 1.3 mg/mL, a hydration time of 46 min, an ultrasound time of 5 min, and an ultrasound power of 180 W. The Log P was 2.26, which was significantly higher than that of phloretin (p < 0.05, paired t test). The results of the in vitro penetration test demonstrated that the cumulative skin penetration of the Phl-TFs after 24 h was 842.73 ± 20.86 μg/cm2. The data from an in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that the Cmax and AUC of PTG were 1.39- and 1.97-fold higher than those of the phloretin solution gel (PSG), respectively (p < 0.05, paired t test). The experimental results in aging rats showed that PTG had a better antioxidant effect. Conclusions: Phl-TFs and PTG preparations with a good shape, safety, and stability were successfully prepared. In vivo pharmacokinetics and preliminary antioxidant experiments further verified the transdermal penetration and antioxidant activity of the phloretin transdermal drug delivery preparation, providing an experimental basis for its further development.

In 2020 the European Commission approved the GND (Green New Deal), a strategic plan aimed at the decarbonization of the EU by 2050. In this scenario, the diffusion of alternative renewable energy sources (RESs) play a key role, particularly electric energy production from wind and photovoltaic power plants. Regardless, the nonprogrammable nature of these power sources led recent studies to focus the interest on the power-to-gas solution (PtG), consisting of the electrolytic transformation of excesses of unused electric energy into hydrogen. The complexity of this technology requires the development of strategic optimization models aimed at finding the best locations for new PtG plants in specific territorial scenarios. This paper presents the development of a GIS-based optimization model that combines an operational research approach with territorial services based on geographic information system (GIS) data. The study is located in Sicily (Italy), considering the large renewable energy penetration in the larger Mediterranean island. The developed model allows us to find the best location for new PtG installations in the considered area by combining GIS automated processing with cost function resolution. The results of this work could be useful in the years to come in light of the rapid spread of hydrogen energy production in Italy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) and self-reported Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in the general population. This study used linear regressions for analyses, based on an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown among 2441 Chinese adults in February 2020. The results showed negative coping and attributing responsibilities to individuals were associated with more PTSS, while both positive and negative coping, as well as attributing responsibilities to individuals were related to more PTG. Moreover, attribution of responsibilities modified the association between coping and PTSS, but not PTG. These findings shed light on mental health interventions in a pandemic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: While there have been some studies examining the post-traumatic growth (PTG) responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, few have been longitudinal studies exploring the changes over time or examining the underlying psychological PTG mechanisms. This study examined whether baseline perceived emotional intelligence (EI) predicted PTG through self-esteem and emotional regulation (ER) in a five-month follow-up study conducted on Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Validated measures were completed by 2090 participants, which assessed both the perceived EI and the PTG 1 month after a nationwide lockdown in China, with 1609 of these participating in the follow-up five months later. Structural equation models (SEM) were then used to explore the paths between the variables.Results: As hypothesized, the follow-up survey found that the baseline perceived EI predicted PTG, ER, and self-esteem outcomes. The SEM analyses also revealed that self-esteem and ER significantly mediated the association between EI and PTG.Limitations: Studies of three or more waves may be more suitable for longitudinal mediation analyses. Self-assessment reports may have subjective effects.Conclusions: It was concluded that perceived EI might improve PTG in adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic, and self-esteem and ER program training could be helpful in promoting PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Media use can be beneficial in many ways, but little is known about how it might improve wellbeing outcomes following a traumatic natural disaster. Survivors (n = 491) of deadly Hurricane Michael, which struck the Florida (USA) coastline in 2018, completed an online survey, reporting indicators of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and stress (PTSS). A serial mediation model explored how hurricane-related stressors were related to both outcomes, as mediated by approach, avoidant, and support-seeking coping strategies and post-hurricane hedonic, eudaimonic, and self-transcendent media use as coping tools. Factors contributing to each type of post-hurricane media use were also explored. Results indicate that hurricane-related stressors were associated with PTG, serially mediated through approach coping strategies and self-transcendent media use, thus providing some of the first empirical evidence of the longer-term, beneficial wellbeing effects of media use on survivors of trauma. Additionally, hurricane-related stressors were associated with avoidant coping strategies, which were associated with increased eudaimonic media use. However, hedonic and eudaimonic media use were not associated with PTSS or PTG. Finally, factors known to be associated with media use were not predictive of post-hurricane media use, perhaps suggesting that media play a different role in survivors' lives in the months following a traumatic event.

Background: Research suggests that family factors play an important role in adolescent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Parent-child communication has attracted particular attention. However, it remains unclear whether parent-child communication affects PTSD and PTG via unique or shared underlying mechanisms. The study aim was to examine the effect of parent-child communication on PTSD and PTG via self-compassion and self-disclosure.Methods: Self-report questionnaires were administered to 683 adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results: Open parent-child communication was positively associated with PTG and negatively associated with PTSD via two 1-step indirect paths of self-compassion and self-disclosure, and by one 2-step indirect path of self-compassion to self-disclosure. Problematic parent-child communication was negatively associated with PTG and positively associated with PTSD via two 1-step indirect paths of self-compassion and self-disclosure.Limitations: First, pandemics differ from other disasters, generalizing these findings to other traumatized populations must be cautious. Then, this was a cross-sectional study, so longitudinal effects could not be examined and causal relationships cannot be confirmed.Conclusions: Different types of parent-child communication have different influencing mechanisms on PTSD and PTG. Therefore, distinct intervention strategies are needed targeted to these two psychological reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The birth of a sick child, as well as the infant’s subsequent hospitalization in an neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), is undoubtedly stressful for the parents of the infant. Most studies conducted in groups of parents of such children focus on the assessment of the negative changes in their functioning due to such stress. The authors were interested in positive changes in the psychological functioning of parents that may occur after traumatic experiences. These changes are referred to as post-traumatic growth (PTG). Objective The aim of this study was to examine whether parents experience post-traumatic growth and to determine the predictors of PTG in fathers and mothers, depending on the coping strategy adopted. Material and methods The study involved 82 parents, whose children were previously hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit. The methods used included the following standardized psychological tests: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and the COPE Inventory. Socio-demographic and medical data were also collected. Results Analysis of the data proved that the illness and hospitalization of a child are significantly associated with the occurrence of post-traumatic growth in parents. PTG in mothers is higher than in fathers. Predictors of PTG in fathers include the use of strategies aimed at seeking emotional support and positive reinterpretation and growth, while in the group of mothers, seeking emotional support, religious coping and planning were the coping strategies used. Conclusions Research on post-traumatic growth should be expanded. Knowledge of the predictors of positive growth in a difficult situation can contribute to the widespread implementation of primary and secondary prevention of post-traumatic stress symptoms as well as increase positive changes in individuals who have experienced traumatic events.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood condition characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to chronic hemolysis and vaso-occlusive complications. Caregivers of children with SCD often experience significant distress, akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to measure the degree of trauma and post-traumatic growth among parents (caregivers) of children with SCD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 294 primary caregivers were recruited for this study, through direct phone calls and online outreach using contact information obtained from their primary treating physician in Maternity and Children Hospitals and the Hereditary Blood Diseases Center in Al-Ahsa. Inclusion criteria required caregivers not to be receiving professional mental health care and to have a child with SCD below the age of 18. Results indicate that caregiver gender significantly affected IESR scores, with mothers reporting higher scores than fathers. Family income had a significant effect on IESR as well. In terms of education level, higher-educated caregivers were less likely to experience severe trauma. Significant differences emerged between online and phone interview participants, with online respondents reporting higher post-traumatic growth and higher trauma levels. This study represents a crucial step in understanding the challenges faced by caregivers of children with SCD in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. However, the study has limitations, including a substantial portion of the sample being from a single clinic and a cross-sectional design., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)