Constructivist Self-Development Theory as a Framework for Assessing and Treating Victims of Family Violence (From Violence Hits Home: Comprehensive Treatment Approaches to Domestic Violence, P 305-329, 1990, Sandra M. Stith, Mary Beth Williams, et al., -- See NCJ-128537)

• NCJ Number: 128555
• Author(s): L McCann; L A Pearlman
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 25 pages
• Sale Source: Springer Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Constructivist self-development theory focuses on three psychological dimensions of the individual who has experienced trauma: the self, the traumatic memories, and the psychological needs and related cognitive schemas.

Abstract

The person's unique psychological adaptation to trauma can be understood as a complex interplay among these factors. Constructivist theories assume that individuals create and construct their own personal realities which in turn shape their feelings and behavior. A full understanding of an individual's adaptation to trauma must take into account the unique meanings of the event for the individual. The clinical importance of the three dimensions is that the therapist must understand the victim of family violence as a whole person in a particular social context in order to help him or her resolve the traumatic memories and maladaptive responses to trauma. This complex set of interactions or dynamics within the person affects his or her subsequent interactions with others and future life experiences. 1 table and 60 references