Post-traumatic growth and psychological resilience in adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundTo investigate post-traumatic growth and psychological resilience in adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus and identify predictors of post-traumatic growth to inform targeted interventions.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients aged 12-18 years using validated measures: Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents. Statistical analyses, including correlation tests, multiple linear regression, subgroup comparisons, and mediation analysis, were performed to examine the roles of clinical characteristics and resilience in post-traumatic growth development.ResultsAmong 104 participants (mean age, 14.46 ± 1.81 years; 66.35% (69/104) females), both scales exhibited high reliability (Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory: α = 0.917; resilience: α = 0.859). Resilience was strongly correlated with post-traumatic growth (r = 0.504, P < 0.001). Significant predictive factors included disease duration >1 year (β = 11.66), positive family relationships (β = 10.59), and higher family income (β = 3.11) (all P < 0.01). Resilience mediated 22.09% of the relationship between disease duration and post-traumatic growth (P = 0.042).ConclusionPost-traumatic growth is achievable in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus, driven by resilience, familial support, socioeconomic stability, and disease chronicity. These findings underscore the need for holistic interventions integrating psychosocial and clinical care to promote positive adaptation in adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus.