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.

• Includes a chronology of the events pitting Tutsis and Hutus in Rwanda, as well as a chronology of the 1994 Rwanda genocide
• Presents photographs of subjects in each case study
• Provides an extensive bibliography, including research on the Holocaust, genocide in Rwanda, trauma, post-traumatic growth, and trauma treatment

"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 "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 "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

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.

Reviews
"In an eminently readable style, Moffatt describes the important connection of trauma and resiliency." - PsycCRITIQUES



Book Information
ISBN 9780313376641
Author Gregory K. Moffatt
Format Hardback
Page Count 221
Imprint Praeger Publishers Inc
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing Plc