Predictors of Psychological Recovery after Traumatic Events

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify psychological factors associated with the success of individuals' recovery from traumatic events, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured psychological rehabilitation and psychocorrection program. A prospective longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted in Kyiv, Ukraine, from January to June 2026. The matched sample included 160 adults aged 18–60 years, divided equally between the experimental group and the comparison group. The experimental group received 16 group sessions over eight weeks, while the comparison group received four supportive consultations. 145 participants completed all three measurements, and the main analysis included the full original sample with correction for missing values. After three months, the mean score on the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms decreased by 13.21 points in the experimental group and by 5.55 points in the comparison group. The adjusted intergroup difference was 8.23 points. At the same time, a more pronounced decrease in depressive, anxiety, and stress manifestations as components of psychopathological symptoms was found, as well as an increase in resilience and perceived social support. The author's comprehensive criterion of psychological recovery was achieved by 55.0% of the participants in the experimental group and 16.3% of the participants in the comparison group. A higher initial level of posttraumatic symptoms and re-traumatization were associated with a less favorable outcome, while social support and other psychological resources predicted lower final symptoms and a higher probability of comprehensive improvement. The results confirmed the feasibility of early screening, assessment of re-traumatization, and inclusion of resource-oriented psychocorrectional components in psychological rehabilitation programs aimed at preserving and restoring mental health. The limitations of the study concerned the quasi-experimental distribution, short observation period, and use of the author's comprehensive criterion.