The Mediating Role of Deliberate Rumination in the Relationship Between Small “t” Traumas and Posttraumatic Growth

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of deliberate rumination in the relationship between small “t” traumas and posttraumatic growth. The study was designed as a correlational survey study. The study group consisted of a convenience sample of 453 university students [388 women (85.6%) and 65 men (14.4%)] studying at Ankara University and Cappadocia University during the 2025–2026 academic year. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Small “t” Trauma Effects Determination Scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the deliberate rumination subscale of the Event-Related Rumination Inventory. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and regression-based mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro Model 4 were employed in the data analysis. The findings indicated that small “t” traumas did not significantly predict posttraumatic growth at the total effect level (c path: β = .019, p = .686). However, small “t” traumas significantly and positively predicted deliberate rumination (a path: β = .416, p < .001), and deliberate rumination significantly and positively predicted posttraumatic growth (b path: β = .311, p < .001). When deliberate rumination was included in the model, the direct effect of small “t” traumas on posttraumatic growth was negative and statistically significant (c′ path: β = −.110, p = .027). The model explained 8% of the variance in posttraumatic growth (R² = .08). The bootstrap results demonstrated that the indirect effect of small “t” traumas on posttraumatic growth through deliberate rumination was statistically significant (B = .082, Bootstrap 95% CI [.047, .122]). Moreover, the negative direction of the direct effect and the positive direction of the indirect effect indicated the presence of inconsistent mediation, also referred to as a suppression effect. The findings indicate that small “t” traumas alone may not be sufficient to explain posttraumatic growth; however, through conscious, deliberate, and meaning-oriented cognitive processing, these experiences may carry the potential for positive psychological change.