Systematic Review Finds Moderate Posttraumatic Growth in Transplant Patients

A systematic review published in BMC Psychology synthesizes quantitative evidence on posttraumatic growth (PTG) among adult kidney and liver transplant recipients and living donors. The study, led by researchers including Azize Karahan, Ebru Akgün Çıtak, Aylin Günay, and Tuğçe Uçgun, aims to clarify the psychological trajectories of individuals navigating the significant psychosocial challenges associated with organ transplantation. While kidney and liver transplants are life-saving interventions that improve survival rates, they also introduce complex emotional and social stressors.

Understanding PTG, defined as positive psychological changes following highly stressful events, is crucial for developing more effective psychosocial care strategies for these vulnerable populations. The research team followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to conduct a rigorous search across five major databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The search period spanned from 18 March to 11 May 2025, targeting peer-reviewed, English-language quantitative observational studies published between 2015 and 2025.

The inclusion criteria were specific, focusing on adult participants aged 18 years or older who were either kidney or liver transplant recipients or living donors. To ensure the reliability of the data, the study required that participants be assessed using validated PTG measures, such as the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). This methodological approach allowed the researchers to filter out non-quantitative or non-observational studies, ensuring a robust dataset for analysis.

From an initial pool of 276 screened records, the authors identified 19 studies from eight countries that met the inclusion criteria. The distribution of these studies varied by participant type, with 13 studies focusing exclusively on recipients, four on donors, one including both recipients and donors, and one involving recipients along with family members or caregivers. The methodological quality of these included studies was appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists.

The appraisal revealed that most studies had low-to-some concerns, with notable limitations in controlling for confounding variables and reporting on attrition. Despite these methodological constraints, the collective data provided a comprehensive overview of PTG levels and their correlates in the transplant community. The findings indicate that PTG is generally reported at moderate-to-high levels among both recipients and donors.

Specific domains of growth were consistently highlighted across the studies, with higher scores commonly observed in areas related to relating to others, appreciation of life, and personal strength. Several factors were identified as positively associated with higher levels of PTG. Demographic variables such as female sex, marital status, and socioeconomic status were linked to greater growth.

Additionally, clinical and psychological factors played a significant role. Living donor graft type, time since transplantation, and better perceived health were all correlated with increased PTG. Psychological resources, including resilience, social support, adaptive coping mechanisms, and spirituality, emerged as key facilitators of growth.

Conversely, the review identified several negative associations with PTG. Depressive symptoms, alexithymia (the inability to identify and describe feelings), and avoidant coping strategies were linked to lower levels of growth. Longitudinal evidence, though limited, provided insights into the temporal dynamics of PTG.

The data suggested that PTG tends to be higher in the earlier post-transplant periods and may decrease over time. The study concludes that PTG is a common experience among transplant recipients and donors, reflecting a significant aspect of their psychological adjustment. The identification of potentially modifiable psychosocial correlates, such as resilience, coping styles, and social support, offers valuable insights for clinical practice.

Subject of Research: Posttraumatic growth in kidney and liver donors and recipients: a systematic review

Article Title: Posttraumatic growth in kidney and liver donors and recipients: a systematic review

Article References: Karahan, A., Akgün Çıtak, E., Günay, A., & Uçgun, T. (2026). Posttraumatic growth in kidney and liver donors and recipients: a systematic review. BMC Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-026-05434-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s40359-026-05434-0

Keywords: Posttraumatic, growth, kidney, liver, donors, recipients, systematic, review, scientific research