Possibilities of the positive following violence and trauma: informing the coming decade of research.
The effects of trauma and violence may be better understood by taking a broader perspective that includes resilience and recovery as well as damage and symptomatology. Based on this broader view, this article describes three interrelated, cutting-edge trends in mental health research: (a) the positive psychology movement, (b) the recognition of the role of spirituality and religion in health and well-being, and (c) stress-related growth. The integration of these trends into mainstream studies of trauma and violence will provide a counterbalance to the predominant orientation of victimization and pathology currently evidenced in the literature. All three have important implications for survivors of violence and trauma.
Ai
Amy L
AL
University of Washington, USA. amyai@u.washington.edu
Park
Crystal L
CL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000592:standards; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012307:Risk Factors; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control; D029181:Spirituality; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States