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Positive change processes and post‐traumatic growth in people who have experienced childhood abuse: Understanding vehicles of change
Author(s) -
Woodward Clare,
Joseph Stephen
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
psychology and psychotherapy: theory, research and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.102
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 2044-8341
pISSN - 1476-0835
DOI - 10.1348/147608303322362497
Subject(s) - psychology , posttraumatic growth , thematic analysis , sexual abuse , psychological abuse , personal development , childhood abuse , narrative , clinical psychology , physical abuse , developmental psychology , psychotherapist , medicine , suicide prevention , poison control , qualitative research , medical emergency , social science , linguistics , philosophy , sociology
Post‐traumatic growth is an emerging area of research concerned with the positive psychological changes that can follow the experience of traumatic events. The aim of this study is to explore themes of post‐traumatic growth within personal experience narratives of individuals who have experienced some form of early emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Using thematic analysis, we identified three domains of themesrelated to positive change processes: inner drive toward growth, vehicles of change, and psychological changes. Understanding the different vehicles of change has implications for facilitating post‐traumatic growth in clients who have experienced traumatic events.