AI Identifies Posttraumatic Growth in Brain Activity

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Research suggests that over 70% of people will face a traumatic event in their lifetime. While the focus is often on posttraumatic stress, there is also the potential for something positive: posttraumatic growth (PTG). This concept describes how individuals can transform their experiences of trauma into meaningful changes, such as recognising new personal strengths or developing a deeper appreciation for life.

This groundbreaking research represents the first use of artificial intelligence (AI) to study posttraumatic growth. By applying machine learning, researchers were able to identify brain activity specifically related to PTG. The original research was published by Glazebrook et al., and can be accessed here. For a summary of the findings, see the Australian Psychological Society’s InPsych article.

What Is Posttraumatic Growth?

Posttraumatic growth refers to the positive changes individuals may report after overcoming significant adversity. Common areas of growth include:

• Increased personal strength
• A deeper appreciation for life
• New possibilities in life
• Improved relationships
• Existential development

Though PTG is recognised across different cultures, there has been debate about whether these changes are a genuine, measurable phenomenon or an illusion of improvement. To explore this, Glazebrook et al. combined neuroscience and wellbeing psychology to understand PTG better.

AI and Brain Activity in PTG

In their study, the researchers used supervised machine learning to analyse brain activity (EEG data) from 66 adults, some with probable PTSD and others without. The goal was to predict high versus low posttraumatic growth based on brain activity alone.

The results were compelling. Specific EEG frequencies (alpha and gamma) allowed researchers to accurately distinguish between individuals reporting high and low levels of PTG. This finding provides objective evidence that PTG is a measurable phenomenon in the brain.

The Relationship Between PTSD and PTG

Interestingly, the study also revealed that PTSD and PTG are not opposing forces. Both can co-occur, as evidenced by the brain activity of participants reporting high PTG but still experiencing PTSD symptoms. This insight shifts our understanding of trauma responses, showing that growth and distress can exist simultaneously.

Building a Resilient High-Performance Mindset

This research opens the door for more brain-based approaches to resilience building, though the application of such findings is still in its early stages. As resilience becomes increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of high performance, it’s essential to explore how coaching can enhance personal growth through strategies that encourage adaptability, mental toughness, and positive thinking.

While psychological support may be necessary for those dealing with trauma, high-performance coaching plays a pivotal role in helping individuals cultivate resilience for personal and professional development.

For more on how resilience and personal growth contribute to success, explore our High-Performance Coaching page.