Abstract: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) was defined as the experience of significant positive change arising from the struggle with a major life crisis. Whether it was coping outcome or coping strategy, had constructive function or illusion function, its key component was cognition or action, there existed controversy. And three explanatory models of PTG were strength through suffering, psychological preparedness and existential reevaluation. With regard to the relationship about PTG and mental health, it was still uncertain. Suggestions on researches in the region were proposed, which included clarifying the concept of PTG, conducting process research and longitudinal research, establishing behavior indicators, paying attention to the clinical application of PTG, conducting researches in Chinese contest, and providing new ideas for the work of people’s mental reconstruction after they sufferred 5·12 earthquake

Key words: posttraumatic growth (PTG), mental mechanism, mental health, clinical application