Features of Posttraumatic Growth Among Victims of the Northern Irish “Troubles”

Abstract

In order to examine for features of posttraumatic growth, this preliminary and exploratory study adopted a case study method with three individuals who had endured a traumatic event, as a consequence of the political violence in Northern Ireland. Most of the extant research carried on this topic has focused on the pathogenic effects that result from the conflict. Little is known about whether growth following political adversity in Northern Ireland has occurred or even likely, given the ongoing political violence, which serves as a constant reminder of what has happened before and what may still occur, regardless of the peace process. Employing Tedeschi and Calhoun’s model of growth, findings reveal that certain features of growth are evident in the domains of a greater appreciation of life and changed relationships, which has lead to new possibilities. Two of the three participants reported change in the domain of personal strength and all reported ongoing psychological distress, which served to temper the degree of growth experienced. Differences in the growth domain relating to religion and spirituality set the three cases apart. Findings may serve as a springboard for future research in this neglected area within trauma research in the Northern Irish context.