Exploring Personal Growth After COVID-19: New ReACH Study Highlights Resilience in a South Texas Cohort
A publication authored by Dr. Enya Vroom and Dr. Joel Tsevat of the ReACH Center sheds light on how many people who experienced COVID-19 have also experienced personal growth in its aftermath. Their paper, “Posttraumatic Growth in a Predominantly Hispanic Cohort with a History of COVID-19 Infection,” was recently published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
The research team surveyed 239 adults in San Antonio, Texas, a community heavily impacted by the pandemic, between December 2020 and September 2021. Using the CAIR Pandemic Impact Questionnaire (C-PIQ), they assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) across five domains: strengthened relationships, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation of life. The team also collected information about social and health-related stressors and overall health status using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures.
The study sample was predominantly female (69%) and Hispanic (84%), with an average age of 43.7 years. Participants completed the survey about eight months after their COVID-19 diagnosis. Overall, the average PTG score was 7.7 (on a 0–20 scale), indicating meaningful levels of growth despite the challenges of the pandemic. Notably, Hispanic participants reported significantly higher PTG scores than non-Hispanic participants (8.1 vs. 5.7, p = 0.003).
Further analyses revealed that higher PTG scores were associated with Hispanic ethnicity, older age, anxiety, and caring for sick or aging family members, while depression was linked to lower PTG (R² = 0.14).
“These findings underscore the resilience and strength within our community,” said Dr. Vroom. “Understanding the factors that contribute to posttraumatic growth can help inform support strategies for individuals recovering from COVID-19 and other major health challenges.”
The authors conclude that many survivors of COVID-19 experience posttraumatic growth, and that Hispanic individuals, older adults, and caregivers may be particularly likely to find new meaning and strength in the aftermath of illness.
The full study is available in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.