Posttraumatic Growth of Parents of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

Parents of children with complex medical conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, are daily exposed to numerous challenges that can have a negative impact on the psychological and mental health of caregivers. Research shows that the aforementioned parental population has a fourfold higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder compared to the general population. Experiencing multiple, repetitive and overwhelming traumatic experiences can lead to the development of complex PTSD (ICD-11 categorization). However, in addition to negative, traumatic experiences can also result in positive consequences, the so-called post-traumatic growth. Then there is a reinterpretation of the trauma in a new form that leads to the enrichment of life and improvement in the domains: relationships with others, personal strengths, new possibilities, spiritual changes and life values.