title: Significant life experiences in an adult sample.
abstract: This study sought to focus on the significant life experiences of an adult sample (n = 45, ages 30-60); in particular, stress, traumas, and trauma-resolved experiences were examined and compared to like experiences of an undergraduate sample. The results for the adults revealed that two-thirds of the sample were able to convert traumas into strens, and the ability seemed to be dependent more on the person than the specific event. Success at converting, if it occurred at all, usually occurred while in subjects were in their 20s; once it occurred, subsequent events were more likely to be coped with in a more positive manner. The implications for primary and early secondary prevention are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000517:prevention & control; D000367:Age Factors; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010553:Personality Development; D013315:Stress, Psychological