Exploration of Trauma in the Context of Psychosis and Posttraumatic Growth : The Role of Racial Trauma, Identity, and Attachment

Maximen, Cassia-Keziah and Kara, Buket and Edge, Dawn (2026) Exploration of Trauma in the Context of Psychosis and Posttraumatic Growth : The Role of Racial Trauma, Identity, and Attachment. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores how different forms of trauma, including racial trauma, interact with psychological processes (e.g., attachment, self-concept clarity) to shape complex psychological outcomes such as post-traumatic growth and psychotic-like experiences. Chapter One presents a systematic literature review exploring the associations between post Traumatic Growth (PTG), trauma type, and attachment style. Whilst PTG has become a progressively more researched area, no previous systematic review has specifically explored how attachment styles and trauma type may interact in relation to PTG. Sixteen peer-reviewed studies were systematically reviewed and synthesised using narrative synthesis. Four overarching themes were identified: emotional processes, cognitive processes, relational security and attachment-related experiences, and social support, culture, and meaning-making. The review highlights the complexity of PTG and the importance of relational and contextual factors in shaping responses to trauma. Chapter Two presents an empirical quantitative study, which examines the relationship between racial trauma, self-concept clarity (SCC), and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) within the Black British Caribbean population. Fifty-two participants completed measures assessing racial trauma, SCC, and PLEs. Regression and mediation analyses indicated that racial trauma significantly predicted levels of PLEs, while SCC was not found to significantly predict PLEs or mediate the association between racial trauma and PLEs. The findings contribute to growing literature examining how racism and racial trauma might be associated with psychotic-like experiences within marginalised communities. Chapter Three provides a critical evaluation of the research process and findings presented throughout the thesis, whilst exploring the wider ramifications. It reflects on methodological, epistemological, and clinical considerations, as well as the broader implications for trauma-informed and culturally sensitive psychological practice.