Trauma, Conscious Struggle, Reevaluation of Worldviews, & Posttraumatic Growth

     "The negative impacts of trauma (from war & events outside of war) have been well documented. Most commonly cited are stress, depression, anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, researchers have recently begun to examine potential positive trauma outcomes as well.

     "Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is one such conceptualization of positive trauma aftermath. Individuals who have suffered a traumatic/stressful event cope with the negative impacts in various ways. There are those who are resilient & are more likely to carry on with their lives as though nothing out of the ordinary has occurred. Many others, however, struggle in their efforts toward recovery and are forced to reevaluate previous worldviews & interpretations. PTG occurs when individuals formulate more adaptive interpretations or worldviews. PTG is personal growth following a traumatic event and is measured by adaptations in perceived changes in self, relationships with others, philosophy of life, spirituality, and new possibilities."

       Gerber MM, Boals A, Schuettler D. The unique contributions of positive and negative religious coping to posttraumatic growth and PTSD. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. 2011; 3(4): 298-307. 

 

Dalhousie University