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ACEs Wild: Making Meaning out of Trauma Through Altruism Born of Suffering

Gibson, Jessica
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1884-4717
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1534977733358403

Abstract Details

2019, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology.
Childhood exposure to early adverse experiences is prevalent—affecting almost one-half of children from birth to 17 years old—and brings with it the potential for the long-lasting detrimental effects of traumatization. At the same time, a growing body of compelling evidence also suggests that many survivors of trauma exhibit more resilience and prosocial behaviors than individuals who have never experienced a traumatic event. This phenomenon has been coined altruism born of suffering (ABS); it is a relatively new concept in trauma research that seeks to better understand the possible positive outcomes of trauma. Building further beyond the concepts of resilience and post-traumatic growth, ABS showcases the potential for an individual to not only resist the risk of psychopathology or experience a constructive intrapersonal transformation after a trauma, but also to become more altruistic and prosocial than one who has never experienced a traumatic event. Research has illuminated several factors that can promote ABS, such as victim affinity, adaptive meaning making, and a supportive social sphere. Nevertheless, little qualitative research has examined the specific nature of how one’s definition of their self and their trauma experience can foster altruism. In this dissertation, I examined the specific meaning making processes of ABS using a mixed methods study. I assessed quantitative correlation data between trauma and altruism in an adult volunteer population, then conducted qualitative interviews with four volunteers who had high levels of both trauma and altruism. I utilized Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore common themes that arose across the interviews. Six thematic clusters emerged: Insight and Inspiration, Accountability for Others’ Suffering, Personal Growth, Trait Enhancement, Interpersonal Relationships, and Negative Effects of Trauma. Notable themes within these clusters included Filling in Gaps, Preventing Pain, Self-Efficacy and Control, and Helping Me by Helping You. The findings were highly congruent with prior research on ABS, and provided further evidence that there is a noteworthy connection between trauma and altruism. The data showed that experiencing trauma led to greater levels of empathy, awareness, victim affinity, self-efficacy, and motivation to help, influencing the survivors to heal themselves and others through altruistic acts. I discussed the clinical treatment implications of such data, highlighted limitations of the study, and noted areas for future research.
Martha Straus, PhD (Committee Chair)
Barbara Belcher-Timme, PsyD (Committee Member)
Meg Pilling, PsyD (Committee Member)
106 p.
Clinical Psychology; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Therapy
altruism born of suffering; empathy; trauma; meaning making

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Gibson, J. (2019). ACEs Wild: Making Meaning out of Trauma Through Altruism Born of Suffering [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1534977733358403

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Gibson, Jessica. ACEs Wild: Making Meaning out of Trauma Through Altruism Born of Suffering. 2019. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1534977733358403.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Gibson, Jessica. "ACEs Wild: Making Meaning out of Trauma Through Altruism Born of Suffering." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1534977733358403

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1534977733358403
296
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This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.