High Levels of Well-Being and Being Infected With the COVID-19 Virus Predicted Post-Traumatic Growth in Healthcare Workers.

INTRODUCTION

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are continuously exposed to stress and potentially traumatic experiences, as during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aims to investigate the correlates and predictors of Post-traumatic growth (PTG), a positive outcome following adversity, in a group of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional design.

METHODS

The sample included 168 HCWs (almost 43% were nurses working in hospitals or aging facilities) who were assessed with the PTG Inventory (PTGI) and other indicators of psychological distress (DASS-21) and well-being such as the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), the Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Regression analyses were calculated to evaluate the relationships among variables.

RESULTS

PTG Inventory positively correlated with SWLS (r = 0.256, p < 0.001) and MHC (r = 0.315, p < 0.001), but no correlations with anxiety and depression emerged. Female gender (β = 0.248, p = 0.001), COVID-19 infection (β = 0.222, p = 0.003), and MHC Total score (β = 0.294, p = 0.008) predicted PTGI. Additionally, a significant curvilinear U-shaped relationship existed between DASS-stress and PTGI levels (β = 0.541, p = 0.021), meaning that PTG was lower at a medium level of stress.

CONCLUSIONS

During the pandemic PTGI in HCWs was more directly predicted by well-being indicators than distress. Prioritizing their well-being, especially in times of crises, could aid in managing stress and trauma in healthcare settings.