Aims

This presentation examines the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, what is known about the factors that increase its likelihood and ways of enabling post-traumatic growth in others and perhaps ourselves.

Background

A significant number of individuals who experience trauma events not only survive their experiences but are also able to process what has occurred in ways that lead to beneficial changes in their lives. These beneficial changes suggest an ability to come to terms with the trauma itself and to find meaning in their experiences from which they can grow.

Method(s)

The presentation draws on data from the researchers’ own work with post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth over many years in different contexts. The presentation also draws on our current work with colleagues in the Youth Justice system which supports front line workers in understanding the role of trauma in youth offending and how to enable post-traumatic growth in youth offenders.

Findings

This presentation synthesizes current knowledge concerning the nature of post-traumatic growth and how to enable it. In reviewing the findings of the researchers’ own work as well as the trauma literature, there is evidence to suggest that post-traumatic growth is a realizable outcome for many. Next steps in this line of work are considered in furthering our collective understanding of what it takes for individuals to move from surviving to thriving.