Posttraumatic Growth in Trauma Survivors: Meaning Making and Locus of Control

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Melissa Zeligman ◽  
◽  
Lindsey Grossman ◽  
Ashley Tanzosh ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Trauma Survivors

Narrative reconstruction and post-traumatic growth among trauma survivors: The importance of narrative in social work research and practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L Jirek
Keyword(s):  
Life Stories ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Personal Narratives ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Trauma Survivors ◽  
Life Narrative ◽  
Reconstruction Process ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Narrative Reconstruction ◽  
Post Traumatic

A substantial body of theoretical work on meaning-making processes postulates that assisting clients in reconstructing their personal narratives in the aftermath of trauma helps survivors to integrate the traumatic experience into their identities and life stories. However, the relationship between trauma survivors’ (re-)construction of a coherent life narrative and their development of post-traumatic growth (PTG) has rarely been explored. In this study, I conducted life story interviews with 46 university students with trauma histories to examine: (1) How, and to what degree, trauma survivors (re-)construct a coherent life narrative; and (2) If and how this process is connected to the development of PTG. I found that survivors who were able to articulate a coherent story about their lives experienced more PTG, and I identified key characteristics of three stages of post-trauma change. I also found that trauma-related therapy, writing, informal conversations, and self-reflection played important roles in the narrative reconstruction process. I argue that some narratives are easier to reconstruct than others because not all narratives are equally valued in society. The presence or absence of narratives in the discursive environment, the reception these stories receive within society, and the access that individuals have to these narratives are influenced by the historical moment, social norms, politics, power, privilege, and individuals’ social locations. To promote empowerment and social justice, social workers should help trauma survivors to reconstruct their life stories, create spaces for the less-welcomed narratives, and engage in mezzo- and macro-level efforts to address social problems and inequalities.

Using Gestalt Techniques to Promote Meaning Making in Trauma Survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-218
Author(s):  
Laura Copley ◽  
Jolynn Carney
Keyword(s):  
Meaning Making ◽  
Trauma Survivors

scholarly journals Trajectories of Posttraumatic Growth Following HIV Infection: Does One PTG Pattern Exist?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcin Rzeszutek ◽  
Ewa Gruszczyńska
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Positive Reframing ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Single Pattern

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the heterogeneity of change of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among people living with HIV (PLWH) in a 1-year prospective study. The goal was also to identify sociodemographic and clinical covariates and differences in baseline coping strategies. Particularly, time since diagnosis and positive reframing coping were of special interest. The sample consisted of 115 people with medically confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection. The participants filled out paper-and-pencil questionnaires three times with an interval of 6 months, including also sociodemographic and clinical data. Four trajectories of PTG were identified: curvilinear, low stable, high stable, and rapid change. Participants’ gender, education level, CD4 count and time since HIV diagnosis occurred to be significant covariates of class membership. Positive reframing and self-distraction differentiated only between the high stable and the rapid change trajectory, with lower values in the latter. The study results call for attention to the complexity of PTG patterns in a face of struggling with HIV infection. Specifically, interventions in clinical practice should take into account the fact that there is no single pattern of PTG that fits all PLWH and that these differences may be related to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as to coping strategies representing meaning-making mechanism.

Reminiscence and Life Review

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy P. Kropf ◽  
Sherry M. Cummings
Keyword(s):  
Meaning Making ◽  
Life Review ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Trauma Survivors ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Older Woman ◽  
Major Function ◽  
Past Experiences

Chapter 11, “Reminiscence and Life Review: Theory and Practice,” examines the history and theory of reminiscence and life review, outlining their major tenets and principles. A major function of these two approaches is to foster a sense of meaning within the lives of older adults. Various types of reminiscence and life review are highlighted with the connection to meaning-making activities of older individuals. The therapeutic function of life review, which enables individuals to reconcile past experiences that have left pain or feelings of incompleteness, is discussed, and differing types of life review are described. The primary functions of reminiscence are also examined, as are the practice applications of both approaches. Additionally, particular populations for which these approaches have been successfully implemented are highlighted, including trauma survivors and the cognitively impaired. A case study of life review with an older woman experiencing depression following the loss of a son is provided.

Women Breast Cancer Survivors: Stories of Change and Meaning

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 265-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Sadler-Gerhardt ◽  
Cynthia Reynolds ◽  
Paula Britton ◽  
Sharon Kruse
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Investigation ◽  
Health Counseling

Breast cancer research has addressed prevention, early treatment, and quality of life, but research from the perspective of survivors has been limited. This is a qualitative investigation of the experience of eight women breast cancer survivors, ranging in age from 28 to 80 at diagnosis, six of whom were Caucasian and two African American. The research consisted of a phenomenological and case study examination of change and meaning-making during their experience. The findings support a posttraumatic growth model of change as part of survivorship for the participants, as well as the presence of negative changes and a state of new normal in their lives. Recommendations are made for mental health counseling and for future research.

Posttraumatic Growth in Individuals With Chronic Illness: The Role of Social Support and Meaning Making

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Zeligman ◽  
Melanie Varney ◽  
Ramona I. Grad ◽  
Mary Huffstead
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Meaning Making

scholarly journals Posttraumatic Growth and Its Correlates in an Indian Setting

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shweta Tandon ◽  
Seema Mehrotra
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Psychosocial Resources ◽  
Post Traumatic Growth ◽  
Indian Setting ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Study Participants

The present study aimed at exploring the extent and nature of self reported posttraumatic growth (PTG) as well as the association of posttraumatic growth with psychosocial resources, meaning making, coping & psychological outcomes following cancer diagnosis in a heterogeneous sample of thirty Indians undergoing treatment at two points. Results indicated that   post traumatic growth (PTG) was reported by almost all study participants. Patients in the early stage of the disease reported more positive changes in the aftermath of the diagnosis than those with advanced disease .Among the psychosocial resources, self efficacy, social support and emotional processing and adaptive coping strategies namely information seeking and support seeking were positively related with PTG. Patients with positive and fate illness appraisals also reported higher PTG as did those with lower depression and higher quality of life.

scholarly journals The Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the Sense of Coherence, Locus of Control, and Posttraumatic Growth in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-454
Author(s):  
Jalal Younesi ◽  
◽  
Javad Kazemi ◽  
Asghar Dadkhah ◽  
Akbar Biglarian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Post Test

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the Sense of Coherence (SOC), Locus of Control (LoC), and Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These factors were explored according to the prevalence of psychological problems in these patients. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and a control group design. The study population included all patients with MS from Iran’s MS Association in Tehran City, Iran. The study sample included 30 patients (n=15/group) who were selected by purposive sampling technique and according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. After obtaining necessary permissions and informed consent, a pre-test was initially performed. The instruments used in this study were ‎the 29-item Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale; the 29-item Julian Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, and the 21-item Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth scale. Several studies supported the reliability and validity of these scales. The experimental group received 8 sessions (once a week, each session: 1.5 h) of group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). However, the control group received no intervention. After the intervention, according to the instructions, the post-test was performed. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V. 21. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was performed to examine between-group differences data. Results: The study findings indicated that ACT was effective on the SoC; however, it had no significant effect on the LoC and PTG (P=0.05). Discussion: Participation in ACT sessions could enhance the SoC of patients with MS. Accordingly, it can be improved by accepting and enhancing these patients’ commitment to change through psychotherapy approach and increasing their SoC.

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

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document