“I get knocked down, but I get up again” – A qualitative exploration of posttraumatic growth after multiple traumas.

Waiting for the cold to end : a qualitative exploration of PhotoVoice as a therapeutic intervention with survivors of sexual assault

10.32469/10355/53325 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Abigail Jordan Rolbiecki

Keyword(s):

Sexual Assault ◽

Posttraumatic Growth ◽

Therapeutic Intervention ◽

Meaning Making ◽

Mental Health Disorder ◽

Participatory Action ◽

Cognitive Reframing ◽

Midwestern University ◽

Quantitative Results ◽

Qualitative Exploration

Sexual assault has reached epidemic proportions, and disproportionately affects college-aged women. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most commonly associated mental health disorder associated with sexual assault. There are many scientifically proven successful interventions for treating PTSD among survivors; however, these interventions fail to address posttraumatic growth as a form of recovery. Research states that without posttraumatic growth, symptoms associated with PTSD will continue to surface. This study explored PhotoVoice "a participatory action research method" as a brief therapeutic intervention for survivors of sexual assault. The purpose of this research was to examine how PhotoVoice allowed survivors to grow post-trauma as they reconstructed their identities through a process of cognitive restructuring, exposure, and narrative group work. Nine women participated in PhotoVoice, and each woman was given a camera to photograph images that represented her sexual assault, or healing experiences. They met together three times to discuss their photos. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to guide the discussion. Each group held an exhibit where they displayed their photos and invited attendees. Qualitative results showed that participants were able to confront their triggers through a process of exposure, as well as address their negative distortions through cognitive reframing and meaning-making. The exhibits allowed participants to reclaim control over their self-narratives, as well as educate stakeholders about the traumatic impacts of sexual assault at a Midwestern university. Quantitative results revealed a decrease in symptoms of PTSD, as well as an increase in posttraumatic growth and positive rape attributions.

Download Full-text

Desistance, persistence, resilience and resistance: A qualitative exploration of how Black fathers with criminal records navigate employer discrimination

Punishment & Society ◽

10.1177/1462474520976964 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 146247452097696

Author(s):

Abigail Henson

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Growth ◽

Criminal Activity ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Criminal Records ◽

Emotional Involvement ◽

Systemic Racism ◽

Black Fathers ◽

Employer Discrimination ◽

Resilient Response ◽

Qualitative Exploration

While research suggests a growing proclivity amongst contemporary fathers towards emotional involvement and child caregiving, studies indicate that most men still experience unrelenting pressure to provide financially for their family. For some fathers, the ability to spend time with their children is contingent on financial provision. Fathering, therefore, can be dependent on employment. The intersection of Blackness, maleness, and a criminal record, however, often results in employer discrimination, which hinders reentering Black men’s ability to secure legitimate revenue streams and achieve fathering expectations. In response to these barriers, many men agentically create opportunities for themselves in order to provide for their families. Framed using Sites of Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth, the current study draws from qualitative data and adds to the literature by focusing on the act of hurdling rather than the hurdles faced upon reentry. Findings demonstrate how hustling upon reentry is not a display of persistent criminal character but, rather, reflects a resilient response to systemic racism and blocked opportunities. The discussion on policy implications is led by participant suggestions on how to deter criminal activity while providing opportunities for men with criminal records to support their families.

Download Full-text

Cumulative Adversity as a Correlate of Posttraumatic Growth: The Effects of Multiple Traumas, Discrimination, and Sexual Harassment

Journal of Aggression Maltreatment & Trauma ◽

10.1080/10926771.2017.1420720 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (6) ◽

pp. 612-630 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sarah L. Jirek ◽

Daniel G. Saunders

Keyword(s):

Sexual Harassment ◽

Posttraumatic Growth ◽

Cumulative Adversity ◽

Multiple Traumas

Download Full-text

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of a Revised Sense of Coherence Scale

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000323 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 206-215 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Rahel Bachem ◽

Andreas Maercker

Keyword(s):

Posttraumatic Growth ◽

Factor Structure ◽

Sense Of Coherence ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Psychometric Evaluation ◽

Health Indicators ◽

Structure Stability ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽

Reliability Factor ◽

Two Samples

Abstract. The present study introduces a revised Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale, a new conceptualization and operationalization of the resilience indicator SOC. It outlines the scale development and aims for testing its reliability, factor structure, and validity. Literature on Antonovsky’s SOC (SOC-A) was critically reviewed to identify needs for improving the scale. The scale was investigated in two samples. Sample 1 consisted of 334 bereaved participants, Sample 2 of 157 healthy controls. The revised SOC Scale, SOC-A, and theoretically relevant questionnaires were applied. Explorative and confirmatory factor analyses established a three-factor structure in both samples. The revised SOC Scale showed significant but discriminative associations with related constructs, including self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth, and neuroticism. The revised measure was significantly associated with psychological health indicators, including persistent grief, depression, and anxiety, but not to the extent as the previous SOC-A. Stability over time was sufficient. The study provides psychometric support for the revised SOC conceptualization and scale. It has several advantages over the previous SOC-A scale (unique variance, distinct factor structure, stability). The scale could be used for clinical and health psychological testing or research into the growing field of studies on resilience over the life span.

Download Full-text