Survivors: What We Can Learn from How They Cope with Horrific Tragedy

by Gregory K. Moffatt

Overview

Case studies show how various personal, social, and protective factors can override seemingly unbearable trauma.

Rather than addressing what goes wrong when people are traumatized, Survivors: What We Can Learn from How They Cope with Horrific Tragedy takes a positivist approach. Filled with stories of people who overcame seemingly unbearable events, the book examines the details of their traumas to explain what combination of factors enabled them to thrive despite their experiences.

Survivors studies men and women, adults and children, Americans and those from other lands. It encompasses victims of the Nazi Holocaust, survivors of spinal injury, victims of violent crime, adult victims of child abuse, and survivors of the Rwandan genocide. Author Gregory K. Moffatt, a psychologist and counselor, looks at all of these cases in the light of research regarding post-traumatic growth and clinical implications. He explains the combination of social context and protective and personal factors identified as prime agencies for resilience, drawing lessons that can prepare us, not only for extreme trauma, but to deal with the everyday traumas that affect us all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313376641
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/23/2010
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Gregory K. Moffatt, PhD, is professor of psychology and the chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department at Atlanta Christian College in Atlanta, GA, where he has served for 25 years.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Trauma and Resiliency
2 Arbeit Macht Frei: Surviving the Holocaust
3 A New Normal: Surviving Spinal Injury
4 Dangerous Houses: Surviving Abuse
5 Eight Days in March: Surviving Violent Crime
6 Ubuzima Bufite Impamvu: Genocide in Rwanda
7 The Breaking Point: Protective Factors and Seven Lies That Prevent Recovery
8 Hope for the Hurting: Clinical Intervention and Recovery
9 The Meaning of Life
Bibliography
Index

What People are Saying About This

Richard Tedeschi

"This book is not for the faint of heart, but for those with the heart to pursue the best futures in the aftermath of adversity. Stories of horrific trauma allow readers to see that possibilities still can be found following the worst circumstances."

—

Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Karissa E. Scott

"Survivors cuts through the cold sterility of psychological analysis and the inconsolable confusion of dealing with trauma recovery. Moffatt's blend of case studies, professional research, and personal reflections create a refreshingly honest discourse that is relevant and interesting for professionals, as well as inspiring for individuals. He reminds us that life is about relationships and resilience; how we deal with trauma is as important as how we deal with life."

—

Karissa E. Scott, Editor in Chief, The Forensic Examiner

Sam Gosling

"In this beautifully written book, Gregory Moffatt uses his interviews of trauma survivors to weave vivid, psychologically rich accounts of what it takes to live through unimaginably ghastly events. Infused with powerful insights and recent research findings, Moffatt's compelling, often heartbreaking stories of survival, bring us understanding about the psychology of resilience and ultimately they bring us hope."

—

Sam Gosling, Professor, University of Texas, Austin Author of Snoop: What your stuff says about you

Richard Tedeschi

"This book is not for the faint of heart, but for those with the heart to pursue the best futures in the aftermath of adversity. Stories of horrific trauma allow readers to see that possibilities still can be found following the worst circumstances."
— Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Sam Gosling

"In this beautifully written book, Gregory Moffatt uses his interviews of trauma survivors to weave vivid, psychologically rich accounts of what it takes to live through unimaginably ghastly events. Infused with powerful insights and recent research findings, Moffatt's compelling, often heartbreaking stories of survival, bring us understanding about the psychology of resilience and ultimately they bring us hope."
— Sam Gosling, Professor, University of Texas, Austin Author of Snoop: What your stuff says about you

Karissa E. Scott

"Survivors cuts through the cold sterility of psychological analysis and the inconsolable confusion of dealing with trauma recovery. Moffatt's blend of case studies, professional research, and personal reflections create a refreshingly honest discourse that is relevant and interesting for professionals, as well as inspiring for individuals. He reminds us that life is about relationships and resilience; how we deal with trauma is as important as how we deal with life."

— Karissa E. Scott, Editor in Chief, The Forensic Examiner

Editorial Reviews

In an eminently readable style, Moffatt describes the important connection of trauma and resiliency.” —PsycCRITIQUES

From the Publisher