Data for ‘Adapting to your new normal’: What are the experiential processes of post-traumatic growth for ICU survivors? –DClinPsych thesis jointly awarded by Coventry University and University of Warwick

The study, within a constructivist grounded theory design, used participant narratives to explain the experiential processes of growth after ICU. Findings – Participants were eleven adults aged 33-60 years (7 female). The ‘Adaptive Rebuilding’ theory was derived from the analysis, defined by its core category titled ‘Adapting to your New Normal’.

This described how ICU survivors found themselves adapting to their new life trajectory. Three categories comprised this core category: (i) ‘Finding your Strength’: focusing on their physical and mental recovery; (ii) ‘Finding your Helpers’: seeking supporters; (iii) ‘Finding your Meaning’: pursuing a new purpose. Conclusion – Prior linear perceptions of personal growth are challenged; instead, emphasis is on how individual experiential processes are dynamic.

A novel finding also is the importance of peer and psychological support after ICU. Paper two offers two ways in which this work will be disseminated: as an online blog and an oral conference presentation. Paper three provides the author’s reflections on the research process.

Clinical Implications – This thesis gives a framework for health professionals to understand the processes underlying personal growth among ICU survivors. This framework can guide and assess interventions during the rehabilitation period to ensure follow-up post-ICU optimally supports wellbeing.<br><br>Documents containing anonymised participant transcripts, signed consent forms and ethics approval certificate. This dataset is under embargo as the researchers did not explicitly include open repository storage in their participant consent forms.