Using a strength-based approach in facilitating, training, and supporting means we recognize and support the incredible resilience and wisdom that trauma can ignite in a human being.

Studies show that the majority of trauma survivors don’t develop PTSD, and a large number even report growth from their experience. While trauma is not the path anyone would choose to personal growth, it can be a positive side effect, and aid professionals in a helping capacity to promote further growth.

But There Are BIG Caveats.

Is it Really Post?

Post-traumatic growth implies that the trauma is over. If a learner is still living it, they are focused on trying to survive, and likely not working on personal growth, yet. Think of getting caught in a thunderstorm. You’d need to focus on finding shelter and safety before you can reflect on the resilience and problem-solving that got you to safety. Our learners and clients may be in the thick of it, and we need to respect that.

Expectations Can Add to Burden

It’s also important to recognize that the concept itself can create a heavy expectation for people already overburdened with trauma. It can become one more thing a traumatized person is expected to do or become a source of shame if this ‘growth’ isn’t true for them. Be aware of your own ideas around this narrative.

Beware of the Trope

Society has developed a storyline around trauma: when bad things happen, we should use it as an opportunity to become better. It’s become a cultural trope we see in everything from Superhero movies to pop songs – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger… right? But is it true? It turns out that the answer is ‘sort of’. Recently, researchers into post-traumatic growth have started questioning whether reports of growth are real or given because the expectation is so pervasive in our culture. And trauma survivors may report growth because believing trauma has a positive result helps them cope with what they’ve been through. Hmmm. Things aren’t as clear as they once seemed.

Complex Outcomes From Suffering and Trauma

Reactions to trauma can lead to positive and negative outcomes simultaneously. Research shows people who’ve experienced high levels of cumulative lifetime adversity can be more compassionate, empathetic, and more willing to engage in pro-social behaviour. There’s also strong evidence they can show increases in creativity and wellbeing. However, trauma is just as likely to cause sufferers to turn away from others and become embittered in life. Trauma can decrease empathy and compassion. As facilitators, it’s important to be aware of this duality.

We Can Help Learners and Clients Find Growth from Trauma

What are the implications for those of us in helping and supporting professions? How can we assist learners and clients in moving toward growth after trauma?

  • Don’t add to anyone’s burden by subtly or overtly implying that suffering equals growth and positive change. This expectation can compound distress.
  • Create environments and experiences that help individuals build a sense of agency and control, which can reduce overwhelm and help us have the space to process trauma. Give learners voice and choice.
  • Provide opportunities for people to reflect, ask the big questions, and put events in context within their lives. Positive post-traumatic growth comes out of processing one’s own responses to traumatic events.
  • Recognize that unusual or unexpected events, like trauma, can push people to experience the world from an unusual perspective that can open minds to different ways of thinking and understanding human experience. Encourage creativity and facilitate time and space for it to unfold.

“And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through or managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you walk out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm is all about.”

– Haruki Murakami

The movies and pop songs don’t have it quite right. Setbacks and adversity do not magically produce growth and build character. Our response to events matters. Pain, despair, and suffering do not mean we are left broken beyond repair. People can heal, and move towards wholeness. Those wounds can be part of our strength. We just need to be conscious of our learners’ and clients’ ongoing journeys.

Learn More

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Experience a Different Way to Facilitate, with Change it Up

BLOG Beautiful Minds–Post-Traumatic Growth: Finding Meaning and Creativity in Adversity

PODCAST Hidden Brain: Healing 2.0 – What We Gain From Pain. Eranda Jayawickreme

BOOK Redesigning Research on Post-Traumatic Growth: Challenges, Pitfalls, and New Directions.  Edited by Frank J. Infurna and Eranda Jayawickreme, 2021.

RESEARCH