Interpretive phenomenological analysis of posttraumatic growth experiences amongst Filipino women in the UK

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic growth (PTG), meaning the reported experiences of positive change and growth following traumatic events, is gaining increasing attention in the current trauma literature. Research has predominantly been conducted with Western samples. Emerging studies are however, being conducted cross-culturally and have begun highlighting cultural variations in the development and the reported rates and experiences of PTG amongst diverse samples. There is therefore a need to explore PTG amongst non-Western samples in regions such as Southeast Asia (SEA) where there is a high prevalence of traumatic events, and amongst survivors from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to help inform further cultural understandings across different contexts.

METHOD: A systematic review was conducted that explored reported rates, domains, and factors associated with PTG amongst countries in SEA. A total of 14 studies were identified and quality was assessed with a standardised rating tool. A qualitative study using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)was also conducted that explored the lived experiences amongst Filipino migrants who are survivors of Intimate partner violence (IPV). Six women recruited from the community organisation Kanlungan participated in the empirical study.

RESULTS: The studies included in the systematic review supported the presence of reported PTG amongst their samples, however the representation across several countries and traumatic experiences within SEA were limited. While the studies varied in the factors explored and in their associations with PTG, some patterns were identified as facilitating PTG within this region. The presence of positive change and growth experiences represented by three personal experiential themes of a Shift in mindset, a Greater sense of self (in relation to self and others), and Greater meaningful relationships were developed from the qualitative study. PTG amongst the Filipino women occurred within the context of their community.

CONCLUSION: The presence of positive changes and growth is supported amongst culturally diverse samples, although further research is needed to clarify the domains that contribute to PTG, and associated factors that facilitate its development across further countries in SEA and across different types of traumatic events. Findings also support the nuanced ways in which growth is developed and experienced amongst Filipino survivors of IPV, which highlights the importance of understanding growth experiences across diverse groups and settings.