While past research suggests that people experience positive psychological changes after adverse events little is known about psychological changes that happen after positive events. Adult participants (N = 605) went online to complete a new self-report instrument measuring positive psychological changes linked to positive events changes that I provisionally call post-ecstatic growth. Factor analysis indicated that this growth happens in four domains: deeper spirituality increased meaning and purpose in life improved relationships and greater self-esteem. Participants were particularly likely to report growth after events that evoked feelings of inspiration and meaning and events that led them to see new opportunities.
Citation:
The Journal of Positive Psychology , 2013 Vol. 8, No. 4, 273 – 279