Until recently, the field of mental health focused primarily on psychopathology and mental illness. Positive psychology, conversely, is the study of positive emotions, psychological strengths, and paths to a meaningful and fulfilling life. Additionally, lessons learned from research on positive psychology have shed light on resilience, recovery, and post-traumatic growth following trauma.
The study of post-traumatic growth (PTG) shows that many people increase personal strength, appreciation of life, positive relationships, and spirituality, following traumatic experiences. The factors associated with resilience and PTG are hope, positive emotions, social support, sense of meaning and purpose, acts of kindness, and internal locus of control (belief in one’s ability to change).
Dr . Terry Levy and Mr. Michael Orlans co-wrote this article. They are the co-authors of two books and co-lead seminars on attachment and trauma. They welcome hearing from you.
