Meaning making of Life after Childhood Trauma in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Childhood trauma can have lasting impacts on emotional and existential well-being (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014). Nevertheless, survivors often show high levels of psychological adaptability through meaning-making mechanisms. This qualitative phenomenological research study aimed to explore the experiences of Pakistani adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to childhood trauma in terms of meaning-making as a coping and recovery mechanism. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six adult participants with PTSD due to childhood trauma (n = 6). Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Results indicated that the experiences of participants were categorized into three main themes: perspective shifts, identity reconstruction, and resilience as a coping mechanism. Participants indicated that making meaning from experiences of trauma was a continuous process of reconstructing a life story with trauma experiences included, which helped them cope with emotions, practice self-compassion, and enhance resilience. This research study indicates the need for culture-based interventions for individuals with PTSD, focusing on reconstructing a life story, coping with experiences, and making meaning as a way of coping with trauma experiences.