The role of social support in post-traumatic growth and trauma-related symptom severity: Findings from caregivers of autistic children and trauma-exposed perinatal women

Lloyd, April 2025. The role of social support in post-traumatic growth and trauma-related symptom severity: Findings from caregivers of autistic children and trauma-exposed perinatal women. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Trauma and adversity can have a profound impact on mental health, yet the outcomes that follow such experiences vary significantly between individuals. Some may develop significant psychological difficulties, whilst others may experience personal growth. The factors that influence whether someone experiences trauma-related psychological difficulties or personal growth in the aftermath of trauma or adversity are complex and multifaceted. Understanding what contributes to either the worsening or improvement of symptoms is essential for developing effective, compassionate interventions and support systems. This thesis explores factors associated with both post-traumatic growth and trauma-related symptom severity across two distinct populations: caregivers of autistic children and trauma-exposed perinatal women. In both papers, particular attention is given to the roles of social support in shaping psychological outcomes. Paper One is a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the relationship between social support and post-traumatic growth in caregivers of autistic children. Caring for an autistic child can be a journey marked by both profound challenges and deeply meaningful rewards. While a substantial body of research highlights the psychological strain caregivers often face, such as burnout and reduced well-being, there is growing recognition that caregiving can also lead to personal growth and positive psychological change. Social support from friends, family members, or significant others has been shown to play a key role in fostering such growth. To examine this relationship, six academic databases were systematically searched, identifying ten quantitative studies. These were included in a narrative synthesis, with seven studies meeting criteria for inclusion in a meta-analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between social support and post-traumatic growth. Notably, subjective support and support from friends and significant others were most strongly associated with growth. This paper contributes to the growing body of research emphasising the potential for psychological growth among caregivers of autistic children. It reinforces the critical role of strong, supportive social networks and highlights the importance of identifying caregivers with limited support. The findings support the value of adopting person-centred, relational approaches in services to help foster growth among caregivers. Paper Two presents an empirical study investigating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in trauma-exposed perinatal women. The perinatal period, spanning pregnancy and the months following childbirth, is increasingly recognised as one of heightened vulnerability to mental health difficulties, including PTSD and CPTSD, which includes a cluster of symptoms referred to as Disturbances in Self-Organisation (DSO). DSO involves difficulties with emotional regulation, self-identity, and interpersonal relationships. This cross-sectional study explored the prevalence of these conditions in a UK-based sample of trauma-exposed perinatal women. It also examined how early-life adversity, specifically childhood maltreatment and household dysfunction, and perceived social support from friends, family, and significant others related to the severity of PTSD and DSO symptoms. Seventy-four participants completed measures of childhood adversity and social support, as well as a structured clinical interview to assess trauma-related symptoms. Results showed that 16.2% met criteria for PTSD, 5.4% for CPTSD, and 10.8% experienced clinically significant DSO symptoms without meeting full criteria for PTSD. Most participants (67.6%) did not meet diagnostic criteria for any of these diagnoses. PTSD symptom severity was positively associated with household dysfunction and negatively associated with family support. DSO symptom severity was positively associated with childhood maltreatment and negatively associated with friend support. Regression analyses identified relationship status and family support as significant predictors of PTSD symptom severity, while education level and friend support predicted DSO symptom severity. This is the first UK-based study to examine the prevalence, as well as the risk and protective factors associated with PTSD and DSO, in a trauma-exposed perinatal sample. The findings highlight the complex and multifactorial nature of trauma responses during this period and underscore the protective role of social connectedness. They also emphasise the importance of considering a woman’s history of early adversity and her current social environment. These results point to the need for trauma-informed, relational approaches within perinatal mental health services that are sensitive to individual circumstances and support needs. Together, these papers underscore the critical role of social support in shaping psychological outcomes following trauma or adversity. By highlighting both the potential for growth and the risk of trauma-related distress, this research supports the development of trauma-informed, relational approaches that are tailored to individuals’ unique histories and current support needs.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	24 July 2025
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2025 13:33
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180026

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