Connotation, characteristics, and research status of post-traumatic growth in rescuers

As two different groups in disasters or accidents, despite the differences in roles and experiences between rescuers and victims, both of them may be exposed to traumatic stimuli and have the potential to obtain post-traumatic growth (PTG). Through the analysis of existing documents and actual situation, it was found that the traumatic experiences, the connotation and characteristics of PTG in rescuers may be essentially different from those of the victims. The traumatic experiences were significantly different between the rescuers and the victims, such as preparedness, quantity and types, risk and protective factors, as well as the trauma outcomes. In terms of the connotation of PTG, rescuers may generate various positive emotions and career growth that victims cannot. Regarding the characteristics of PTG, rescuers exhibited by professionalism, complexity of dynamic processes, and richness of static connotations. However, the measurements and theoretical basis in extant research on the PTG of rescuers were both developed on the studies of victims, which has certain limitations. To more effectively explore this research field, future research is needed to deeply analyze the connotation of PTG of rescuers and construct appropriate theoretical models.