Just Surviving to Thriving: Supporting Post-Traumatic Growth Among Intimate Partner Violence Survivors

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive and deeply traumatic experience affecting individuals worldwide, cutting across cultures, communities, and socioeconomic groups. While the immediate and long-term adverse psychological, emotional, and physical consequences of IPV are well-documented, an emerging body of research suggests that some survivors may undergo a positive psychological transformation following their trauma. This transformation is referred to as post-traumatic growth (PTG).

Purpose: As more studies on PTG among IPV survivors continue to rise, aggregated information will help with having a better understanding of the processes involved in promoting PTG among IPV survivors. Two primary research questions guided this study: (1) In what PTG domains do IPV survivors most commonly report experiencing growth? and (2) What factors are associated with the development of and lack of PTG among IPV survivors?

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize and analyze existing research on PTG among IPV survivors, following the rigorous guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Searches were restricted to English and peer-reviewed articles. Included studies met inclusion criteria if (a) studies used at least one domain of PTG for conceptualization or as a measure, (b) studies were clear on findings for participants 18 years or older regardless of gender, and (c) studies were quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Given that this systematic review is a known first to focus specifically on IPV and PTG promoting and hindering factors, there was no restriction on the publication date to capture existing literature fully. After a thorough review and screening process, 22 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed.

Results: The findings revealed that two PTG domains—spiritual growth and new possibilities—were reported most frequently by adult IPV survivors. Factors associated with promoting or inhibiting PTG were classified into three categories: intrapersonal (e.g., resilience, self-efficacy, coping style), interpersonal (e.g., support from family, friends, or professionals), and contextual (e.g., cultural background, access to resources). Some coping strategies that are often considered maladaptive, such as avoidance or isolation, were found to play complex roles in promoting PTG process.

Conclusions and Implications: This review highlights the importance of strength-based and culturally sensitive approaches when working with IPV survivors. Rather than solely focusing on harm and deficits, practitioners and policymakers are encouraged to recognize survivors’ capacity for growth during their healing journey. By understanding the conditions and mechanisms that support PTG, service providers can develop more effective interventions and support systems that foster PTG and long-term well-being.