Psychological growth in relation to intimate partner violence: A review

• This study reviews the association between growth and intimate partner violence.
• Findings reveal that growth may occur among victims of IPV.
• Three domains in which psychological growth may occur are discussed.
• Four areas that may predict psychological growth among victims of IPV are observed.
• Psychological growth and distress in the aftermath of IPV may co-occur.

Although negative consequences resulting from the experience of traumatic events have been widely studied in the academic literature, only recently have researchers begun to examine positive outcomes associated with trauma. Psychological growth, including posttraumatic growth (PTG), resilience, and positive adjustment, has been found to occur in the aftermath of a variety of stressful circumstances. However, it is unclear how psychological growth specifically relates to intimate partner violence (IPV). The current study provides an empirical review of the literature on psychological growth that is associated with IPV victimization. Results indicate that psychological growth is consistently found among victims of IPV. However, researchers suggest that it may be difficult to determine the exact timing of psychological growth in the aftermath of IPV. Relevant predictors and outcomes of psychological growth are discussed. In addition, limitations of the studies reviewed are summarized and future directions for research and practice are suggested. This review renders a thorough assessment of the relationship between psychological growth and interpersonal violence that may add a new perspective to trauma therapy.