Complex trauma and posttraumatic growth: a bibliometric analysis of research output over time

Introduction: The interpersonal nature of complex traumatic events can negatively impact the long-term psychological wellbeing of an individual. However, reconceptualisation through deliberate rumination following complex trauma provides the opportunity for posttraumatic growth. Research in this area has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to assess the volume and characteristics of research output over time in the fields of complex trauma and posttraumatic growth. Method: A descriptive repeat cross-sectional study of publications from PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences was used across the time periods 1995-1998, 2005-2008, and 2015-2018. Authors jointly assessed article relevance for inclusion. Classifications used for each study were: data-based, country of research institution, country of participants, type of trauma experienced, and trauma terminology. Results: One-hundred and forty-one articles met criteria for review. The output of publications concerning complex trauma and posttraumatic growth has increased over time with a high proportion of studies conducted by researchers in the United States of America with a focus on war veterans. Relative to descriptive studies, there are very few intervention studies. Conclusion and Implications: A growing interest in the conceptualisation of posttraumatic growth in the aftermath of complex trauma, was demonstrated. Currently, this field of the literature is dominated by research outcomes from the USA concerning war veterans. Further cross-cultural and types of complex trauma research is needed, and interventional studies would be important for informing therapy.