1. Dr. Taku’s Posttraumatic Growth Lab
I can’t stop thinking
about it..
Realization of
Personal Strength
What am I supposed to do now?
Appreciation of Life
Distress
New Possibilities
Prayer/Waiting
Talking/Social Support
Struggle
Traumatic Event
Growth
Posttraumatic Growth (PTG): Positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances.
Kellie is interested in analyzing PTG in high school students after a relationship strain.
Sharell is interested in questioning high school students’ academic aspirations after a traumatic occurrence.
Insia is interested in the cross-cultural examination of PTG in illness survivors and hopes to narrow her study specifically to stroke patients.
As a recent graduate of the Psychology program at Oakland University, Valarie is currently working on a manuscript with Dr. Taku, examining PTG of bereaved OU students.
Melissa’s prior research involved analyzing the role of religion on PTG. Her long-term goals involve finding a bridge between occupational safety and PTG.
Current Research Assistants
I. Thomas
Dr. Kanako Taku
As one of the pioneering researchers in the field of PTG, Dr. Taku’s present interest involves the cross-cultural examination of PTG in high school students. Her future goal is to analyze PTG in individuals who have inflicted pain onto others.
V. Pierson
K. McGuire
Courses at Oakland University:
PSY 251 – Statistics and Research Design
PSY 362 – Statistical Analysis on Computers
PSY 445 – Seminar in Individual Differences & Personality
M. Sawa
Recent Publications:
Taku, K., Kilmer, R. P., Cann, A., Tedeschi, R. G., &
Calhoun, L. G. (2012). Exploring posttraumatic growth
in Japanese youth. Psychological Trauma: Theory,
Research, Practice, and Policy, 4, 
Taku, K. (2011). Commonly-defined and individually-
defined posttraumatic growth in the U.S. and Japan.
Personality and Individual Differences, 51,
S. Elam
A l u m n i :
Brent Yanos : Masters of Clinical Psychology - Eastern Michigan University
Evan Theys: PhD of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Louisiana Technological University
Lauren Rogers: Masters of Social Work – Wayne State University
Sean P. Callan: PhD of Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
Wayne State University
We Want You!
Interested in working with us?! Check out our website:
Find us on
The PTG Oakland University