The Posttraumatic Growth Process Experienced by Chinese Patients Newly Diagnosed With Crohn's Disease: A Longitudinal Descriptive Qualitative Study

Despite negative outcomes, being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic lifelong condition, may prompt individuals to undergo positive psychological and emotional growth. However, understanding the dynamic process of posttraumatic growth in Chinese patients with Crohn's disease remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to longitudinally explore the posttraumatic growth process in newly diagnosed Chinese patients with Crohn's disease. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months post-diagnosis in 16 patients. Conventional content analysis revealed a four-stage trajectory of posttraumatic growth: enduring hardships, accepting illness, living with illness, and achieving personal growth. Generally, disease-related suffering diminished, and acceptance of the disease by patients improved over time. Additionally, the capacity of patients to self-manage disease enhanced and their manifestations of posttraumatic growth increased. Overall, patients transitioned from a state of severe trauma coupled with nascent personal growth to a state of reduced trauma and profound personal growth. However, challenges persist throughout this process. Moreover, patients with Crohn's disease may continue to struggle with perceived limitations in their development and find it difficult to accept their illness, especially during relapses and complications. They may also experience reduced vigilance in managing their condition. Healthcare staff could provide targeted guidance based on the characteristics of different stages to help patients with Crohn's disease tap into their inner resources and foster psychological growth.