Posttraumatic Growth Following the Loss of a Pet: A Cross-Cultural Comparison. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bussolari, Cori; Habarth, Janice; Kimpara, Satoko; Katz, Rachel; Carlos, France; Chow, Amy; Osada, Hisao; Osada, Yukiko; Carmack, Betty J.; Field, Nigel P.; Packman, Wendy
• Is Part Of: Omega. Volume 78:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 348
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: posttraumatic growth -- continuing bonds -- pet loss -- disenfranchised grief -- cross-cultural; Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Death -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1177/0030222817690403
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-2228

Abstract

The current study examined Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) experienced by bereaved pet owners in the United States, French-Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong following the death of their pet. Using qualitative methodology, we analyzed responses of participants who answered "yes" to a question about experiencing PTG and explored to what extent the cross-cultural responses mapped onto the five factors of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). For the U.S. sample, 58% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. For French-Canada, 72% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. For Japan, 50% of responses mapped onto the PTGI and for Hong Kong, 39% of responses mapped onto the PTGI. We also explored emergent categories related to PTG for individuals who have lost a pet and discerned the unique aspects for PTG across cultures.