There has been increasing interest in understanding how individuals who have experienced trauma can develop resilience and achieve post-traumatic growth (PTG). Researchers have found that PTG is possible after experiencing traumatic events such as rape, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. Resilient individuals are those who demonstrate the ability to adapt positively to adversity without negative psychological consequences. They may exhibit increased self-awareness, an expanded worldview, spiritual changes, improved interpersonal relationships, and enhanced personal strengths. Post-traumatic growth involves not only bouncing back from trauma but also transforming one's life in positive ways. This article explores emotional mechanisms that facilitate resilience and PTG among survivors of gender-based violence.
There are several emotional mechanisms that can promote resilience and PTG in survivors of gender-based violence. One such mechanism is reframing the experience. Survivors of gender-based violence often feel shame and guilt about what happened to them. Reframing their experiences helps them recognize that they were not responsible for the trauma and that it was not their fault. By acknowledging their feelings and working through them, they can gain a sense of empowerment and control over their lives. Another mechanism is building social support networks. Supportive friends, family members, and professionals can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and validation during difficult times. This can help survivors feel less alone and more capable of handling challenges. Cognitive restructuring is another important mechanism. It involves changing negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself and the world into more realistic and healthy ones.
A survivor might replace "I am weak" with "I am strong."
Developing a meaningful narrative can be crucial for promoting resilience and PTG. This means creating a story about one's experience that makes sense and allows them to make sense of what happened. It may involve identifying lessons learned or finding a purpose in the pain. These emotional mechanisms can all contribute to resilience and PTG in survivors of gender-based violence, allowing them to overcome adversity and grow from their experiences.
What emotional mechanisms facilitate resilience and post-traumatic growth in survivors of gender-based violence?
The emotion of hope is one of the key factors that help individuals overcome trauma and develop resilience after experiencing gender-based violence. Hope can be defined as a positive expectation about the future despite present circumstances (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 20000). When people feel hopeless, they tend to give up on their goals and lose motivation for recovery.