Post-traumatic growth and religious coping in Muslims exposed to the March 15 terror attacks in New Zealand: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: On March 15, 2019, a white supremacist attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand causing 51 deaths. The March 15 study was initiated to evaluate the mental health and wellbeing of the affected Muslim community. Given participants shared faith and reported growth through adversity, an evaluation of post-traumatic growth and religious coping was included.

Methods: The March 15 study assessed sociodemographic and clinical factors 11-32 months after the shootings. The Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and the Religious Coping Scale were administered. Descriptive statistics were used to report the presence of moderate-high post-traumatic growth. Bivariable analyses between Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and potential predictor variables were undertaken. Measures that were significantly (p < 0.05) or marginally (p < 0.10) associated with post-traumatic growth were included in a multivariable regression model.

Results: Data for 187 participants were analysed. Fifty-eight percent of the participants met criteria for moderate-to-high post-traumatic growth. Being present at a mosque during the shootings (p = 0.011) and use of a life coach after the shootings (p = 0.02) were positively associated with post-traumatic growth. Family tensions and holding a university degree were negatively associated with post-traumatic growth (p = 0.035, 0.011). When the Religious Coping Scale was included in the multivariable model, it explained a large proportion of the variance associated with post-traumatic growth (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The participants experienced relatively high levels of post-traumatic growth. The dominance of religious coping in the multivariable model suggests that the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and Religious Coping Scale assessed similar qualities for Muslims impacted by the March 15 shootings. Qualitative research is required to broaden understanding of the underpinnings to post-traumatic growth.