Abstract
Traumatic experiences can produce both posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The relationship of PTS and PTG is not clear and can take form of positive, negative, curvilinear (“inverted U” shape) and no association. Specific form of the relationship may be influenced by the trauma type and age. This study aims to review research of the relationship of PTS and PTG in a sample of childhood cancer survivors. Database search resulted in 11 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The results of studies included in this review are organized according to four mentioned options. Although all of these options were supported by some studies, the most convincing amount of evidence was found for the options of weakly positive and no relationship between PTS and PTG. This result points out the possibility of co-existence of PTS and PTG which has important clinical application particularly in potential need for psychosocial support also in those who are able to find positive aspects of their traumatic experience.