Network analysis on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder, psychiatric co-morbidity and posttraumatic growth among Chinese adolescents

Background: This study investigated the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychiatric co-morbidity and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among Chinese adolescents using network analysis. 
Methods: 867 Chinese adolescents (male = 424, female = 443) were recruited from three secondary schools. They completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the General Health Questionnaire-28. 
Results: Domains of each construct mainly clustered within their respective communities with several bridging edges identified. The prominent roles of bridging nodes and edges (positive and negative) were highlighted. Key bridging nodes were negative alterations in cognitions and mood for PTSD, anxiety and insomnia for psychiatric co-morbidity and appreciation of life for PTG. 
Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of the present study may preclude the identification of real causal relationships between nodes. 
Conclusions: Following a trauma, adolescents displayed posttraumatic stress along with general psychological disorder symptoms. These distress reactions could affect the way they appreciated life and their motivation to seek future life possibilities. Findings from the current study may provide some clue for the facilitation of posttraumatic growth among clinical patients.