The PRAISE Scale of Posttraumatic Growth: Development, Validation and Exploration of its Relationship with Trait Resilience

Background: Individuals who adapt well to adversity (e.g., traumatic events) and recover quickly are often described as resilient. However, there are also individuals who report positive psychological changes beyond pre-adversity levels, referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Existing research on the association between resilience and PTG yields conflicting results due to varied definitions and operationalisations of each construct. This thesis aims to explore whether trait resilience predicts the development of PTG over time. As the traditional approach to measuring PTG is widely criticised to assess perceptions of PTG rather than actual ‘veridical’ changes in pre-to-post functioning, the Possibilities, Relationships, Appreciation of Life, Strength, Existence (PRAISE) scale is developed and psychometrically validated to examine veridical PTG as trajectories of psychological functioning over time. The PRAISE scale is used to test the main research question of this thesis. Methods: In Chapter 2, a scoping review identified existing measures of veridical PTG, the study designs they were embedded in, and the research questions these studies addressed. As the six identified measures were considered unsuitable, the 28-item PRAISE scale was developed in Chapter 3 by adapting items from other PTG measures and revised after an initial psychometric analysis (n = 569). The psychometric validation of the PRAISE scale – including its factor structure, convergent validity and test-retest reliability and the predictive validity of the Relationship dimension – was conducted in Chapter 4 (nT1 = 619; nT2 = 94). In Chapter 5, the factor model fit of the PRAISE scale was compared to that of two other measures of veridical PTG (n = 303). In Chapter 6, a longitudinal study (n = 285) examined the association between trait resilience and veridical PTG in individuals with recent adverse experiences. Trait resilience was measured at time point 1 using the Engineering, Ecological, and Adaptive Capacity (EEA) resilience scale, while veridical PTG was measured via the PRAISE scale in three surveys over four months. Results: The results of Chapter 2 demonstrated that existing measures of veridical PTG had limited applicability, psychometric validity, dimensionality, and conceptual breadth. In Chapters 4 and 5, the PRAISE scale demonstrated a correlated five-factor structure, better factor model fit indices than comparable measures, convergent validity and test-retest reliability. The relationships domain of PRAISE predicted supportive friendship behaviour. No significant association between trait resilience and veridical PTG was found in the longitudinal study in Chapter 6. Latent growth curve analysis showed stability of PRAISE levels, indicating that change in veridical PTG was not observed in the 4-month design. However, cross-sectional associations revealed that trait resilience – particularly Ecological Resilience – correlated significantly positively with each PRAISE dimension. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies on veridical PTG face study design challenges that need to be addressed to examine predictors effectively. This thesis describes the development and validation of the PRAISE scale, which is intended to be suitable for longitudinal studies. However, veridical PTG may be rare and only emerge after longer periods than a few months. Future studies should employ prospective study designs spanning at least two years and utilise statistical methods like growth mixture modelling to identify small subsamples who experience veridical PTG. Studies with limited budgets may focus on longitudinal case studies or examine single mechanisms outlined in the PTG model

The PRAISE Scale of Posttraumatic Growth: Development, Validation and Exploration of its Relationship with Trait Resilience

Background: Individuals who adapt well to adversity (e.g., traumatic events) and recover quickly are often described as resilient. However, there are also individuals who report positive psychological changes beyond pre-adversity levels, referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Existing research on the association between resilience and PTG yields conflicting results due to varied definitions and operationalisations of each construct. This thesis aims to explore whether trait resilience predicts the development of PTG over time. As the traditional approach to measuring PTG is widely criticised to assess perceptions of PTG rather than actual ‘veridical’ changes in pre-to-post functioning, the Possibilities, Relationships, Appreciation of Life, Strength, Existence (PRAISE) scale is developed and psychometrically validated to examine veridical PTG as trajectories of psychological functioning over time. The PRAISE scale is used to test the main research question of this thesis. Methods: In Chapter 2, a scoping review identified existing measures of veridical PTG, the study designs they were embedded in, and the research questions these studies addressed. As the six identified measures were considered unsuitable, the 28-item PRAISE scale was developed in Chapter 3 by adapting items from other PTG measures and revised after an initial psychometric analysis (n = 569). The psychometric validation of the PRAISE scale – including its factor structure, convergent validity and test-retest reliability and the predictive validity of the Relationship dimension – was conducted in Chapter 4 (nT1 = 619; nT2 = 94). In Chapter 5, the factor model fit of the PRAISE scale was compared to that of two other measures of veridical PTG (n = 303). In Chapter 6, a longitudinal study (n = 285) examined the association between trait resilience and veridical PTG in individuals with recent adverse experiences. Trait resilience was measured at time point 1 using the Engineering, Ecological, and Adaptive Capacity (EEA) resilience scale, while veridical PTG was measured via the PRAISE scale in three surveys over four months. Results: The results of Chapter 2 demonstrated that existing measures of veridical PTG had limited applicability, psychometric validity, dimensionality, and conceptual breadth. In Chapters 4 and 5, the PRAISE scale demonstrated a correlated five-factor structure, better factor model fit indices than comparable measures, convergent validity and test-retest reliability. The relationships domain of PRAISE predicted supportive friendship behaviour. No significant association between trait resilience and veridical PTG was found in the longitudinal study in Chapter 6. Latent growth curve analysis showed stability of PRAISE levels, indicating that change in veridical PTG was not observed in the 4-month design. However, cross-sectional associations revealed that trait resilience – particularly Ecological Resilience – correlated significantly positively with each PRAISE dimension. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies on veridical PTG face study design challenges that need to be addressed to examine predictors effectively. This thesis describes the development and validation of the PRAISE scale, which is intended to be suitable for longitudinal studies. However, veridical PTG may be rare and only emerge after longer periods than a few months. Future studies should employ prospective study designs spanning at least two years and utilise statistical methods like growth mixture modelling to identify small subsamples who experience veridical PTG. Studies with limited budgets may focus on longitudinal case studies or examine single mechanisms outlined in the PTG model

Electrostatic fate of N-layer moiré graphene

Twisted N-layer graphene (TNG) moiré structures have recently been shown to exhibit robust superconductivity similar to twisted bilayer graphene (TBG). In particular for N=4 and N=5, the phase diagram features a superconducting pocket that extends beyond the nominal full filling of the flat band. These observations are seemingly at odds with the canonical understanding of the low-energy theory of TNG, wherein the TNG Hamiltonian consists of one flat-band sector and accompanying dispersive bands. Using a self-consistent Hartree-Fock treatment, we explain how the phenomenology of TNG can be understood through an interplay of in-plane Hartree and inhomogeneous layer potentials, which cause a reshuffling of electronic bands. We extend our understanding beyond the case of N=5 realized in experiment so far. We describe how the Hartree and layer potentials control the phase diagram for devices with N>5 and tend to preclude exchange-driven correlated phenomena in this limit. To circumvent these electrostatic constraints, we propose a flat-band paradigm that could be realized in large-N devices by taking advantage of two nearly flat sectors acting together to enhance the importance of exchange effects

Promotion of superconductivity in magic-angle graphene multilayers

Graphene bilayers and trilayers consisting of monolayers twisted at just the right angle have been shown to be superconducting. To acquire a unified understanding of superconductivity in these moiré superlattices, it is desirable to increase the number of known graphene moiré superconductors. Zhang et al. fabricated samples consisting of three, four, and five graphene layers that were twisted with respect to each other in an alternating sequence. These graphene multilayers were coupled to an underlying monolayer of tungsten diselenide. The researchers observed robust superconductivity in all three types of samples, with the superconducting portion of the phase diagram becoming more prominent as the number of layers increased

Best practice guidelines for citizen science in mental health research: systematic review and evidence synthesis

Partnering with people most affected by mental health problems can transform mental health outcomes. Citizen science as a research approach enables partnering with the public at a substantial scale, but there is scarce guidance on its use in mental health research. To develop best practise guidelines for conducting and reporting research, we conducted a systematic review of studies reporting mental health citizen science research. Documents were identified from electronic databases (n = 10), grey literature, conference proceedings, hand searching of specific journals and citation tracking. Document content was organised in NVIVO using the ten European Citizen Science Association (ECSA) citizen science principles. Best practise guidelines were developed by (a) identifying approaches specific to mental health research or where citizen science and mental health practises differ, (b) identifying relevant published reporting guidelines and methodologies already used in mental health research, and (c) identifying specific elements to include in reporting studies. A total of 14,063 documents were screened. Nine studies were included, from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the United States. Citizen scientists with lived experience of mental health problems were involved in data collection, analysis, project design, leadership, and dissemination of results. Most studies reported against some ECSA principles but reporting against these principles was often unclear and unstated. Best practise guidelines were developed, which identified mental health-specific issues relevant to citizen science, and reporting recommendations. These included citizen science as a mechanism for empowering people affected by mental health problems, attending to safeguarding issues such as health-related advice being shared between contributors, the use of existing health research reporting guidelines, evaluating the benefits for contributors and impact on researchers, explicit reporting of participation at each research stage, naming the citizen science platform and data repository, and clear reporting of consent processes, data ownership, and data sharing arrangements. We conclude that citizen science is feasible in mental health and can be complementary to other participatory approaches. It can contribute to active involvement, engagement, and knowledge production with the public. The proposed guidelines will support the quality of citizen science reporting

Post-traumatic growth in psychosis: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Background and objective: People with psychosis report experiences of highly traumatic events. Positive change or post-traumatic growth (PTG) can occur as a result of traumatic experiences. Yet there is limited attention on PTG in psychosis, possibly due to the negative impact of psychotic symptoms on functioning and quality of life. The aim of this review was to identify significant correlates and mediators of PTG in psychosis, and to develop a conceptual framework synthesising facilitators of PTG in psychosis. Method: Ten electronic databases were searched in seven languages, and five journals and grey literature were searched in English. Quantitative studies were eligible if examining correlates, mediators, or the temporal relationship between PTG and one or more variables. Qualitative studies were eligible if describing PTG arising from experiences of psychosis. Findings from quantitative papers were grouped by analysis method, with significant correlates, mediators, and temporal relationships descriptively reported upon. Narrative synthesis was conducted on findings in qualitative papers. Results: Thirty-seven papers were included. Significant correlates and mediators of PTG were identified. Mediators of PTG in psychosis included meaning in life, coping self-efficacy, core beliefs, and self-reported recovery. No studies describing the temporal relationship between PTG and psychosis were identified. The narrative synthesis identified seven facilitators of PTG in psychosis: Personal identity and strength, Receiving support, Opportunities and possibilities, Strategies for coping, Perspective shift, Emotional experience, and Relationships, giving the acronym PROSPER. Conclusions: Individuals with psychosis can be supported to grow from traumatic experiences. Clinicians can support PTG through the provision of trauma-informed care that supports positively valued identity changes. For researchers, the findings provide an evidence-based theoretical framework for conceptualising PTG, which can be validated through longitudinal cohort studies and underpin the development of new clinical interventions

A Niche-Based Framework to Assess Current Monitoring of European Forest Birds and Guide Indicator Species' Selection

Concern that European forest biodiversity is depleted and declining has provoked widespread efforts to improve management practices. To gauge the success of these actions, appropriate monitoring of forest ecosystems is paramount. Multi-species indicators are frequently used to assess the state of biodiversity and its response to implemented management, but generally applicable and objective methodologies for species' selection are lacking. Here we use a niche-based approach, underpinned by coarse quantification of species' resource use, to objectively select species for inclusion in a pan-European forest bird indicator. We identify both the minimum number of species required to deliver full resource coverage and the most sensitive species' combination, and explore the trade-off between two key characteristics, sensitivity and redundancy, associated with indicators comprising different numbers of species. We compare our indicator to an existing forest bird indicator selected on the basis of expert opinion and show it is more representative of the wider community. We also present alternative indicators for regional and forest type specific monitoring and show that species' choice can have a significant impact on the indicator and consequent projections about the state of the biodiversity it represents. Furthermore, by comparing indicator sets drawn from currently monitored species and the full forest bird community, we identify gaps in the coverage of the current monitoring scheme. We believe that adopting this niche-based framework for species' selection supports the objective development of multi-species indicators and that it has good potential to be extended to a range of habitats and taxa

A bioecological approach to conceptualising posttraumatic growth in psychosis

Background: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological changes arising from adversity. PTG in psychosis is an emerging area of focus, however the individualistic conceptualisation of PTG has been questioned. We extend these debates to consider environmental influences on PTG in psychosis.Methods: In this paper, we outline the application of Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model to PTG in psychosis.Results: The Bioecological Model comprises six ecological systems; 1) biophysical (individual characteristics), 2) microsystem (immediate environment), 3) mesosystem (system interactions), 4) exosystem (impact on individual despite minimal participation), 5) macrosystem (cultural/societal influences), and 6) chronosystem (time).Discussion: PTG in psychosis research has predominately focused on the biophysical ecosystem. We argue that extending PTG research to address the other systems will be advantageous, providing an ecologically valid conceptualisation of PTG and the development of a causal model of PTG in psychosis. Implications for future research are discussed