Abstract: The term posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. Many factors, including demographics, characteristics of event, personality, cognition, social support, coping strategy, etc. will exert influences on PTG. Four possible explanations can be used to make clear the disagreements of relationship between PTG and psychological health. Future studies should pay more attention to the differences between PTG and some related concepts, try to find more new methods and new evidences to validate its effectiveness.

Key words: growth, trauma, posttraumatic growth (PTG)