description Lawrence Calhoun Overview
Lawrence Calhoun was an American psychologist and professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In collaboration with his colleague Richard Tedeschi, he pioneered the psychological concept of post-traumatic growth in the 1990s. Their joint research focused on understanding how the struggle with highly challenging life crises can lead to positive psychological transformation. Calhoun co-authored several books and research papers with Tedeschi, helping to establish the foundational framework for this area of clinical study.
help Lawrence Calhoun FAQ
How did Lawrence Calhoun develop the idea of post-traumatic growth?
Lawrence Calhoun developed the concept with clinical psychologist Richard Tedeschi at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Their early books included Trauma and Transformation in 1995 and Posttraumatic Growth in 1998. [UNC Charlotte profile](https://pages.charlotte.edu/richtedeschi/)
What does post-traumatic growth mean in Calhoun's work?
Post-traumatic growth refers to positive psychological change that can emerge after a person struggles with a traumatic event. It does not mean the trauma was beneficial or that distress disappears. [Posttraumatic Growth Research Group](https://ptgi.charlotte.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2013/01/PTG-New-Considertrns-2004.pdf)
What does the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory measure?
The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun and published in 1996, measures changes such as stronger relationships, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation of life. It is a research measure, not a diagnosis. [Wiley article](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jts.2490090305)
How is post-traumatic growth different from resilience?
Resilience usually describes maintaining or regaining functioning after adversity, while post-traumatic growth describes perceived positive changes beyond a person's earlier outlook. Calhoun's model allows growth and continuing pain to exist at the same time. [Posttraumatic Growth Research Group](https://ptgi.charlotte.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2013/01/PTG-New-Considertrns-2004.pdf)
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