From adversity to advancement: A co-designed group-based intervention for fostering posttraumatic growth among people with posttraumatic stress.

The intervention is a co-designed, group-based psychological program aimed at fostering posttraumatic growth (PTG) in adults with a history of trauma exposure. The content of the intervention was developed through two phases of participatory co-design workshops. Phase 1 involved three workshops of two hours each with eight individuals with lived experience of trauma over a period of three weeks. Phase 2 involved two workshops of one hour each with six clinicians/researchers over a period of two weeks. This approach was to ensure that the program is both theoretically grounded and contextually relevant. The stakeholders in both phases were provided with sample program components and asked to provide feedback to refine the intervention content, delivery methods, and assessment procedures. The intervention focuses on facilitating positive psychological adaptation following trauma through structured activities targeting key domains of PTG, including meaning-making, cognitive processing, relational connection, personal strengths, and future orientation. The program incorporates psychoeducation, guided reflection, experiential exercises, and facilitated group discussions. The intervention is not designed to diagnose or treat mental disorders but to promote growth-oriented outcomes. The intervention will be delivered by a trained facilitator who is an RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) -licensed clinical psychologist from India and a provisional psychologist in training in Australia. The facilitator has prior experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma across diverse populations and mental health presentations. She has also been involved in previous research projects utilising co-design methodologies and is trained in trauma-informed approaches to group facilitation. The intervention will be delivered in a small-group format with about 6-8 participants, allowing for peer interaction, shared reflection, and the development of interpersonal processes (e.g., validation and disclosure) that are relevant to PTG. Sessions are conducted face-to-face (hybrid/online if applicable), with a structured yet flexible format to accommodate participant needs. The intervention will consist of 8–10 weekly sessions, with each session lasting approximately 120–150 minutes. Prior to the intervention, participants will complete a 4-week baseline stabilisation phase involving weekly assessments to establish a stable baseline of pre-intervention functioning. Outcome assessments continue during the intervention and at post-intervention and follow-up timepoints. The intervention will be delivered in a university-based setting (Australian National University), providing a safe and confidential environment for group participation. Participant adherence is supported through: Regular session reminders (e.g., email and/or text message reminders) Monitoring of session attendance and participation Facilitator check-ins to support engagement and address barriers to attendance Intervention fidelity will be maintained through the use of a structured intervention protocol with ongoing supervision by an AHPRA-registered clinical psychologist where required.