Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0002-5472-1519
Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Education
First Advisor
Daniel Gutierrez
Second Advisor
Abigail Conley
Third Advisor
Stephanie Dorais
Fourth Advisor
Patrick Mullen
Fifth Advisor
Kellie Carlyle
Abstract
Research on interventions designed to increase posttraumatic growth (PTG) among interpersonal trauma survivors is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a six-week trauma-informed mindfulness meditation intervention on PTG. Additionally, I examined outcomes of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and loneliness, as well as analyzed the variables of dispositional mindfulness, hope, spirituality, and self-compassion to understand their potential role as mechanisms of change within the intervention on PTG. To answer these research questions, I conducted a randomized controlled trial study with 113 adults from a community sample who reported experiencing interpersonal trauma. Utilizing linear mixed modeling and growth curve analysis, the results demonstrated that there was a significant group-by-time interaction effect on PTG (β = -5.75, SE = 1.7, t(102) = -3.35, p = .001, 95% CI [-9.17, -2.34]). However, there was no significant group-by-time interaction impact on PTS (p = .63) or loneliness (p = .48). Dispositional mindfulness significantly moderated the relationship between the group-by-time interaction and PTG (β = -0.08, SE = 0.0, t(133) = -3.89, p < .001, 95% CI [-0.12, -0.04). Hope (β = .81, SE = 0.1, t(302) = 6.89, p > .001, 95% CI [0.58, 1.04]), spirituality (β = .56, SE = 0.7, t(217) = 8.31, p > .001, 95% CI [0.43, 0.70]), and self-compassion (β = 5.06, SE = 1.6, t(309) = 3.22, p= .001, 95% CI [1.96, 8.15]) all acted as significant predictor variables to PTG. The results of this study add evidence to PTG outcome research among interpersonal trauma survivors, as well as help to elucidate mechanisms of change within a trauma-informed mindfulness meditation intervention to increase PTG.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-17-2026