Finding meaning, perceiving growth, and acceptance of tinnitus

Objectives: The authors test hypotheses derived from current models of growth following adversity in a sample of people with tinnitus. These models assume a process whereby adversity or trauma threatens major assumptions, which, in turn, promotes a search for meaning in the adversity and subsequently growth. Method. Data from a sample of 315 people with tinnitus who completed an online survey were used to assess the relations of reports of negative changes to asking "Why me?" and answering the Why me? question with reports of growth, acceptance, and well-being. Results: indicate that reports of negative changes in goals and philosophy of life predict a search for meaning and that finding meaning is associated with perceived growth. Those who report never searching for meaning are less likely to report growth but report better adjustment and acceptance of their tinnitus than those who have searched for meaning. Discussion: The data are consistent with models of growth that give a central role to meaning-making processes, but they also suggest that a significant minority of people with tinnitus do not report searching for meaning or perceiving growth-yet appear to be coping well. Acceptance of tinnitus is identified as a key construct for future research.