Abstract
Trauma refers to any negative occurrence that causes significant disruption to the view that a person holds of themselves, others, and the world in which they live. Trauma results in enduring psychological and emotional damage that can act as a catalyst for a negative reaction (or reactions) that jeopardise the well-being of the individual. Trauma can also precipitate the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, certain individuals possess the ability to experience positive growth after experiencing trauma, such as in the case of divorce. This positive growth is referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Studies have indicated that PTG could give rise to higher levels of well-being. This study examines how individuals experience Seligman’s PERMA model constructs after divorce and PTG. This study uses descriptive phenomenology to explore the life-worlds from a well-being perspective of three participants who experienced PTG after divorce. Three female participants of various ages and ethnicities who experienced PTG after their divorces were chosen to achieve this aim. Open-ended interviews were conducted to elicit rich descriptions of the phenomenon under study. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed from a phenomenological perspective. The common themes were integrated to form the essential structure of individuals who experienced Seligman’s PERMA model constructs after divorce. The common themes are discussed under the five headings of Seligman’s PERMA model: positive emotions, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and purpose, and accomplishment/competence. The validity of the common themes was supported by the findings in the literature review. The validity of the common identified themes was supported by existing research findings. The common positive emotions experienced by the three participants following the experience of posttraumatic growth due to divorce were happiness, contentment, confidence, and gratitude. Participants reported these positive emotions once they had moved on from the trauma of their divorces and regained control of their lives. In addition the three participants described a sense of greater well-being brought about by engagement in various creative activities after PTG post-divorce. The iv participants also reported a deepening in certain positive relationships with meaningful people in their lives, particularly family members. A sense of meaning and purpose was gained through becoming more deeply connected to religion and/or spirituality. The participants experienced a sense of accomplishment/competence by meeting goals that held personal significance in the context of their careers and personal lives. Keywords: trauma, divorce, divorce as trauma, posttraumatic growth, PERMA model constructs.
M.A. (Psychology)