Identifying Brain Training Targets from the Posttraumatic Growth Neural Literature

What is it about?

In this review, we synthesise and discuss the limited literature examining the brain activity associated with posttraumatic growth (PTG). We consider the importance of alpha frequency power, brain locations, and the co-existence of PTSD to determine which PTG neuromarkers may make the best training targets for our upcoming neurofeedback research. Our findings indicate left-lateralised high alpha power over the sensorimotor cortices around EEG electrode C3 may be ideal as it is associated with higher PTG and lesser symptoms of PTSD.

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Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash

Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research provides a foundation for future neural intervention research in PTG and advances the field toward better understanding of the neural basis of PTG. As currently favoured treatments for PTSD are hampered by tolerance, adherence, and effectiveness issues leading to high drop-out rates, new treatments are urgently needed in trauma care. Research such as this is vital to finding better ways of supporting people who have suffered trauma to improve their well-being.