Better life after trauma: stomic society as an environment for posttraumatic growth for stomic patients

Abstract

Positive changes after a traumatic severe illness have still not been fully described. One of the groups that lack full research of posttraumatic growth are patients with stoma. Difficult moments of surgery and dealing with stoma are for many of them the hardest situations of all life. Some of the patient must face emotional, social and self-percep‑ tion changes in their lifes. Being a part of stomic societies is a chance for personal development for many of patients, it gives them social and institutional support and a chance to meet people in similar situation. Two groups were con‑ sidered in present study: one was a group of stomic patient and another was a group of people taking part in the University of the Third Age. Emotional traits (STPI), acceptance of illness (AIS), multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) and posttraumatic growth (PTGI) were taken into consideration. Data analysis have given very optimistic view on functioning of present groups and abilities to get on with the illness. There have been only small differences between two groups. These participants react in a very similar way and in the same way they experience the posttraumatic growth. This research is a good introduction into the field of posttraumatic positive changes for stomic patients as the special case of trauma that still lasts. Correlations between emotional traits and posttraumat‑ ic growth will surely bring new ways of psychological work with these patients.

Keywords

• posttraumatic growth
• stomic patients
• social support
• emotional support
• acceptance of illness