Post-traumatic growth is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals experience trauma and are able to emerge from it with a newfound sense of resilience and strengthened relationships. This process involves recognizing and embracing the challenges presented by the trauma, reflecting on one's personal values and beliefs, seeking out social support, developing new coping strategies, and experiencing positive changes in one's life. Research suggests that post-traumatic growth can occur through various mechanisms, including relational strengthening. The idea behind this concept is that individuals who have gone through shared adversity together may be better equipped to navigate future challenges because they have built stronger bonds with each other. The article will explore how these mechanisms work and provide examples of situations where they have been observed.
One mechanism for post-traumatic growth and relational strengthening following shared adversity is increased emotional intimacy. Shared experiences can bring people closer together emotionally, allowing them to share their thoughts and feelings more openly.
Survivors of natural disasters often form strong bonds as they help each other rebuild their lives after the disaster. This increased emotional connection can lead to deeper relationships that last long after the initial traumatic event has passed.
Another mechanism is shared goal setting. When individuals work towards a common goal, such as recovering from a natural disaster or overcoming an illness, they are more likely to feel connected and supported by others. This can lead to improved communication, trust, and mutual respect, which are all essential components of healthy relationships. Examples of this phenomenon include couples who overcome addiction or families who care for a sick loved one.
Shared meaning making is another mechanism that supports post-traumatic growth and relational strengthening following shared adversity. When individuals come together to make sense of their experience, they are able to gain new insights and perspectives on life. This process can create a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them, leading to stronger connections and a greater appreciation for life in general. A famous example of this phenomenon is the way in which military veterans bond through their service.
What mechanisms support post-traumatic growth and relational strengthening following shared adversity?
A significant amount of research has been done on resilience following trauma exposure, which can be defined as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity (Masten & Tellegen, 1982). This involves both individual factors that are related to personal characteristics such as cognitive appraisal and social support (Wolitzky-Taylor et al.