Psychological flexibility and post-traumatic growth: A meta-analytic review

Ünlü Kaynakçı F. Z., Aracı İyiaydın A.

Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, sa.80, ss.141-158, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

Some individuals report positive psychological changes following traumatic experiences, such as an increased appreciation of life, redefined personal values, and enhanced empathy. These changes are commonly referred to as post-traumatic growth. In recent years, the relationship between post-traumatic growth and psychological flexibility has received increasing attention. However, the findings remain inconclusive, highlighting the need for a systematic review or quantitative synthesis of the empirical literature examining this relationship. Therefore, the present study aimed to consolidate existing research findings through a meta-analysis. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, APA PsycArticles, and ScienceDirect was conducted on January 5, 2026, and restricted to English-language publications. Eleven studies comprising 3,734 participants met the eligibility criteria. Correlation coefficients (r) were synthesized using a random-effects model. The pooled analysis indicated a small positive association between psychological flexibility and post-traumatic growth (r = .231, 95% CI [.120, .336], p < .001), accompanied by substantial between-study heterogeneity (I² = 91.42%). Given the correlational nature of the evidence, the variability across individual findings, and differences in trauma contexts and measurement approaches, no causal conclusions can be drawn. Psychological flexibility may be considered a potential correlate of PTG, but longitudinal research is needed to clarify the direction and conditions of this association.