Tedeschi, Richard G and Lawrence G. Calhoun, “The Paradox of Post-Traumatic Growth,” The Boston Globe, 19Mar06, A11.

(Download this review as a PDF)

 

OVERVIEW

 

Jerry was living the life that many young people aspire to, playing with a successful rock band. But one night the bus carrying the band crashed. When Jerry woke up in a hospital, he learned that we would never walk again. His career as a traveling musician was pretty much over.

 

When we talked with him a few years later, while he sat in a wheelchair, he said the accident was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Perhaps he was in denial, or perhaps he was employing an unconscious defense mechanism. But we think Jerry was describing the experience of what we call post-traumatic growth. Jerry valued the disabling accident because it steered him in a new, fulfilling direction he was convinced he wouldn’t have found otherwise.

 

The “we” who are talking here are two counselors and professors of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte who researched this topic leading to the publication of the book, Handbook of Posttraumatic Growth: Research and Practice, 2006.

 

In regards to Jerry, they conclude:

Although most people who endure trauma do not claim that the trauma was a good thing, many have round their suffering leads to valued changes.

 

The writers interviewed veterans, many of them injured and disabled, returning from Iraq. And they listened to the survivors of hurricane Katrina. These people had all suffered significant losses.

 

What has become evident in recent years, however, is that in the midst of suffering and loss there is survival and resilience. Beyond that, there can be something more—transformation and growth.

 

These psychologists found that some Vietnam and Iraq veterans who had seen horrible or extended combat were suffering with “haunting posttraumatic symptoms and guilt.” However, there were others from similar situations who were moving on to productive lives without psychiatric difficulties. As they and other sufferers share wisdom, we may be able to create better lives and societies.

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

 

1.     How have you see trauma and what have been its effects?

2.     What questions or concerns do you have about the article above?

3.     Do you agree that though some who have experienced traumatic events may need special psychiatric care, there is hope in positive approaches to negative experiences?

4.     Do you agree that most youth workers today need some training in response to traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorders?

IMPLICATIONS

 

1.     If intense emotional and physical and sexual abuse in childhood and rape can be considered traumatic experiences, then a high percentage of young people these days may have flashbacks or suffer guilt and shame that need special care.

2.     Youth leaders need professional training because they are on the front lines in detecting post-traumatic disorders.

3.     This article is evidence of a growing positive approach to counseling and dealing with deep emotional wounds.

 

     Dean Borgman   cCYS