Assessing Psychological Growth Following Adversity: The Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Growth among Comboni Missionary Sisters

Abstract

Comboni Missionary Sisters serving in the East Africa Province are frequently exposed to cumulative adversities that challenge their psychological and spiritual well-being. While trauma is often framed through negative outcomes, post-traumatic growth (PTG) describes the constructive psychological evolution that can emerge from the struggle with adversity. This study investigated the degree and nature of PTG among Sisters serving in Uganda and South Sudan, exploring how missionary vocation influences the transformative process. The study was grounded on stress and coping theory and PTG theory. The study employed an embedded mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 63 participants using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, followed by semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively selected Sisters to provide interpretive depth. Findings revealed a moderately high degree of PTG (M=75.13), with the most significant gains identified in Spiritual Change (79.7%), Personal Strength (74.4%), Appreciation of life (71.3%), and Relating to Others (71.0%). Conversely, New Possibilities (66.8%) was the least pronounced domain. Qualitative themes elucidated that growth is driven by spiritual anchoring, cognitive reframing, and communal solidarity. The data suggest that for religious missionaries, transformation is primarily an inward "renovation" of existing identity rather than an outward life redirection. PTG in this context is a communal and vocational endeavour. Fostering long-term resilience among missionaries requires a deliberate integration of trauma-informed formation, professional counselling, and robust community-based support systems.