NCJ Number
204474
Date Published
1997
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper develops an argument to counter the belief that traumatic stress, stemming from a micro-level or macro-level event, is so overwhelming that people cannot withstand its negative effects or deal with it in healthy ways.
Abstract
For the purposes of this paper, "traumatic stress" is defined as "an experience that invalidates one's normal assumptions of order, predictability, safety, and identity, a very severe environmental challenge calling for the utmost energization of coping resources." In the discussion of positive and negative aspects of stress, the author advises that it is important to not only study "disasters" but also to analyze what he terms "eustress," defined as "major macro-level changes that are positive." These might include the eradication of an endemic local disease, the end of war or ethnic strife, or a significant economic boom. Although eustress are not life-threatening, they can lead to radical changes in community and individual life. It is clear that macro-level stressors, whether from disasters or eustress, can change the personality and life path of those who survive them, but it is not clear in what ways and how drastically. This paper provides examples of societal trauma and coping through some historical examples, namely, the Great Plague of the mid-14th century, the impending Holocaust under Nazi Germany, aerial bombardment in World War II, and Southeast Asian refugees. The author recommends research that focuses on how the persons impacted by such events developed and maintained rational and adaptive problem solving behaviors and even used their experiences as a source of renewed strength. 51 references