(PS3-77) A Different Kind of Seismic Event: Positive Reappraisal and PTG Among Child Maltreatment Survivors Who Disclose to a Romantic Partner

Abstract Text: Child maltreatment (CM) is a common occurrence with long-lasting psychosocial impacts. While deficits in functioning following CM exposure are a central focus, posttraumatic growth (PTG) may also occur. Positive disclosure experiences of abuse to one’s romantic partner have been shown to be impactful for survivors. However, the connection between CM disclosure and PTG and potential underlying mechanisms (i.e., positive reappraisal of core beliefs post-disclosure) remain unexplored. To address this gap, participants (n = 54) reported on their experiences of CM (CTQ-SF), their CM disclosure to a romantic partner, their subsequent reappraisal of core beliefs (researcher-developed measure), and current levels of PTG (PTG-SF). Participants experienced a range of CM (e.g., 76% reported experiencing multiple forms of abuse). Emotional abuse was most prevalent (81.1%), followed by emotional neglect (54.7%), sexual abuse (36.5%), physical abuse (33.3%), and physical neglect (26.4%). Positive reappraisal (m = 20.15, SD = 10.5) and PTG total scores were moderate (m = 20.90, SD = 14.0). To better understand the relationships among positive reappraisal following CM disclosure to one’s romantic partner and PTG, bivariate correlations were conducted for each subdomain of PTG. As predicted, correlations were positive, significant (p’s <.001), and moderate in strength: positive reappraisal post partner disclosure and PTG appreciation of life, r(39) = .60, spiritual changes r(39) = .61, relating to others r(39) = .64, new possibilities r(39) = .64, and personal strength r(39) = .68. Linear regression indicated that positive reappraisal post-disclosure accounted for 59% of the total variance in PTG scores, F(1, 39) = 55.25, p <.001. This study extends previous theory by demonstrating that positive disclosure experiences can facilitate the reappraisal of pre-existing negative core beliefs, and in turn, foster growth across PTG domains. Given the potential pivotal role of romantic partners in responding to CM disclosure in shaping survivors' PTG journey, targeted interventions at the dyadic level are paramount. Future research should also focus on the disclosure characteristics and partner responses that promote PTG among CM survivors.