Positive changes
Post traumatic growth are the positive changes people experience after struggling with a major life crisis or traumatic event.
Post traumatic growth is common, but not universal. Just because people show personal growth in adversity doesn’t mean they will not suffer. In many cases, suffering and growth co-exist.
Research has shown that post traumatic growth does occur but researchers are careful to remind us that growth comes from the struggle to cope with the trauma, not from the event itself.
Trauma is not necessary for growth, and researchers do not suggest that traumatic events themselves or suffering are in any way good. They are observing the positive effects of coping with trauma.
‘But I don’t want anything good coming from what I experienced…’
The term post traumatic growth can be considered to be quite contentious. Being faced with the idea that anything positive can come from a major life crisis or traumatic event can be very difficult, and the possibility can provoke strong reactions of anger, denial and rejection. Being able to understand and consider the possibility of post traumatic growth can be a way to help you to recognise your strengths and your resilience and to claim them as your own.
I became determined to not let it beat me, I went back to work on the Wednesday at the pub and that really helped, I talked okay.
A survivor.
Video
Watch this video on Emotional Mastery from TEDx: The Gifted Wisdom by Dr Joan Rosenberg below.
(TED.com (opens in a new tab), CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 (opens in a new tab) )
Some thing to think about
- What do you think about the notion of post-traumatic growth? It’s okay for you to have a different view.
- Perhaps you can identify with this because this reflects something of your own experience.
- What do you think about the idea of post-traumatic growth? It’s okay for you to have a different view.
- Perhaps you can identify with this because this reflects something of your own experience.