Beyond the Pandemic: Qualitative Analysis of Post-Traumatic Growth in Caregivers

This paper provides an exploration of the themes that foster post-traumatic growth (PTG) among caregivers of COVID-۱۹ deceased individuals who not only cared for their loved ones during the pandemic but also experienced the profound loss of these individuals to the virus. ۲۳ participants shared their experiences in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Among which, ۱۸ participants demonstrated significant signs of growth in the aftermath of their traumatic experiences. The data from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, which yielded four preliminary themes i.e., emotional endurance, transformed connections, reconciliation with past and indomitable determination. The first theme, 'Emotional Endurance,' highlights the remarkable capacity of these caregivers to regulate their emotions, find inner strength, and endure the most challenging circumstances. 'Transformed Connections' underscores the changing dynamics of relationships, as these caregivers’ discovered loss of connections through altered interpersonal dynamics. 'Reconciliation with the Past' emphasizes the caregivers' ability to come to terms with previous experiences and find closure and acceptance. 'Indomitable Determination' showcases the internal resilience that propelled them to persist through emotional turmoil.

Keywords:

Caregivers , Trauma , Post-traumatic Growth , PTG