Ms. Unaiza Farooqui

Hi! I am Unaiza - a counseling psychologist/lecturer in Psychology with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked previously at Evolve Brain Training Center- which used neurofeedback therapy to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, insomnia. At present, I am working towards my license to work as a practicing psychologist in Dubai. I am also a visiting faculty at Westford University, UAE. I have been extremely determined to build a career in mental health, wherein I am able to make a meaningful & a positive impact in the lives of individuals. I enjoy learning from the experts, & I'm constantly building my skills to better serve my clients. With over 2-3 of experience in the field, I am working towards improving my practice & knowledge in this ever evolving field of human behavior. I had a chance to present my study at the MEPA- Middle East Psychology Association Conference in 2022, virtually.
Exploring change, in the form of Post Traumatic Growth in Individuals who have experienced life changing traumatic events.
Change is the only constant. This saying has been popular around us for far too long. However, have we ever explored the lives of individuals who have experienced immense changes in their life following traumatic life events?
And surprisingly, as a result, experienced improved mental health.
Every individual at some juncture in their lives experiences a crisis, which disrupts their functioning and causes acute psychological damage, resulting in trauma. This could be the death of a loved one, divorce, a near-death experience, recovering from a prolonged illness etc. However, there is substantial evidence indicating that individuals who have undergone such life changing events experience positive significant changes as an aftermath of trauma. (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2004,
While grappling with major life changes, they create new, comprehensive schemas and beliefs, finding themselves better equipped to deal with challenges along with higher resilience.
The current research study used a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 15 adults who underwent traumatic life experiences to find traces of post traumatic growth (PTG). The concept of ‘Post Traumatic Growth’ took birth in the 1990’s which has increasingly become popular, with researchers exploring the phenomenon in depth. It can be defined as, ‘the positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging and painful life circumstances’ (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 2004, p. 1). Individuals who witness PTG find purpose in pain and look beyond the struggle.
The participants came from different walks of life, but had one thing in common- change. They were survivors of massive life changing events.
Given their life altering experiences, they strived to lead a life filled with changes, but with improved mental health. This was visible in the results, which highlighted themes such as: improved meaningful connections, increased gratitude, higher spirituality, higher emotional strength & resilience.
For instance, participants who witnessed loss of their spouses eventually experienced an improved sense of self, and gratitude towards life. These findings also support those of Taylor’s (2020) which suggests that two years after losing their partner, widows were less affected by trivial matters, and were more appreciative of important things. In a study of 312 individuals who experienced a loss of a loved one, found that one third of its participants reported greater maturity, increased empathy and improved communication and relationships (Taylor, 2020).
As revealed by contemporary studies on growth, 30-90% of survivors reported at least some positive changes outnumbering reports of psychiatric disorders (Hussain et al, 2013).
While another study reported that mothers experience posttraumatic growth after losing their child- in the form of a changed relationship to others, personal strength and a reciprocal desire to help (Martincevoka et al., 2016).
It seemed like participants sub consciously found opportunities or ways which acted as a catalyst for change. For instance, one participant talks about enrolling in a course immediately following her husband’s demise while another got into a magazine publishing work following the end of a toxic relationship.
The current research focused heavily on understanding & studying change- & how it impacts the lives of individuals. Here, in most cases the change in their life circumstances brought in Post Traumatic Growth highlighting the possibility of making meaning out of trauma.
For clinical implications, the study proves useful for trauma informed therapists, in working with their clients & helping them transition to the changes.
REFERENCES
Hussain, D., & Bhushan, B. (2013). Posttraumatic Growth Experiences among Tibetan Refugees: A Qualitative Investigation. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 204-216.
Martincekova, L., & Klatt, J. (2016). Mother’s Grief, For