Explaining Post-Traumatic Growth During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Research

Abstract

Introduction: The sudden onset and difficult consequences of COVID-19 pandemic are considered a trauma for healthcare. Despite its devastating consequences and psychological distress, it has also undergone positive changes. The main objective of this study was to explain post-traumatic growth among nurses and physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this study, a descriptive phenomenological approach was utilized and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 nurses and physicians who were selected by purposive sampling. The interviews were analyzed using Colizzi’s method. Results: The findings of the study were summarized into two main themes: distress with four subthemes including corona and loss of life, psychological trauma, ambiguity and confusion about the career path, environmental and interpersonal stress, and growth with four subthemes including alternative ways to overcome trauma, promoting interpersonal relationships, empathy in treatment, and finding meaning. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed post-traumatic growth played an important role in maintaining the mental health of nurses and physicians beyond traumatic coronavirus pandemic. It is hoped that this study will encourage further exploration and examination of this subject and interventions for all groups of healthcare.

Keywords

• nurses and physicians
• covid-19
• post-traumatic growth
• qualitative research