Social and temporal comparisons following trauma: the Influence of comparison processes on post trauma outcomes and relationships with others

Dr Waiter's research is the first to explore the role of social and temporal comparisons in adaptation to traumatic experiences. Four related studies were conducted using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Results revealed that people's use of social and temporal comparisons increased in the aftermath oftrauma and impacted upon the development ofposttraumatic growth and/or depreciation, as well as levels of rumination and engagement with social support following trauma. Overall, this thesis established that social and temporal comparisons are crucial in recovery from trauma and also influence people's ability to improve their relationships with others following traumatic events.