Existential Questions and Post-Traumatic Growth
SOCW 6060 Week 10 Discussions Latest
SOCW 6060 Week 10 Discussions Latest
Discussion 1: Existential Questions and Post-Traumatic Growth
Upon hearing the stories of sometimes horrific atrocities clients or client families have experienced, you as a social worker may find yourself confronting existential questions such as Why? For example, Why do horrible events happen to good people? Why do people abuse their children?
Trying to make sense of such trauma is not easy, and you may seek answers to these existential questions your whole life. And yet, there are opportunities for growth despite trauma for both clients and social workers. This is known as post-traumatic growth, where a renewed sense purpose or a more profound outlook on life is the by-product.
In this Discussion, you work to seek meaning from the trauma your clients experience and the subsequent healing you help your clients achieve in your social work practice.
To prepare:
- Read about trauma-informed social work, and read this article listed in the Learning Resources: Vis, J.-A., & Boynton, H. M. (2008). Spirituality and transcendent meaning making: possibilities for enhancing posttraumatic growth. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work, 27(1/2): 69–86. http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/15426430802113814
Post:
- In 1 sentence, identify an existential question with which you have grappled in relation to a client who has been traumatized.
o Reflect on your fieldwork, or perhaps identify an existential question that might arise in working with the client in the case study you have selected throughout the course.
- In 3 to 4 brief sentences, describe where there is potential for growth for the client as a result of the trauma.
- In 3 to 4 brief sentences, explain where there is potential for growth for you, the social worker, as a result of listening to the client’s stories and bearing witness to their trauma.
- Describe any challenges you may experience between the meaning you hold based on your personal beliefs and working within the client’s potentially different belief framework.
Discussion 2: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Interventions
According to Garland (2013), there is skepticism about mindfulness as an effective intervention. Often, because of its philosophical roots in Buddhism, practitioners and scholars equate mindfulness with “New Age” beliefs. As a result, some may wonder how effective mindfulness interventions are. Recall from Week 1 that it is important to answer the question about the effectiveness of interventions by using empirical evidence rather than experiences or intuition.
You may not have experienced or practiced mindfulness. After you listen to the recordings found on the website listed in the Learning Resources, reflect on some of the following questions: (1) What did you notice? (2) What were you thinking while you were listening? (3) What were you feeling while you were listening? (4) How was your body reacting while listening? (5) How did you feel after you practiced mindfulness?
In this Discussion, you will experience an example of mindfulness and also determine whether mindfulness has scientific support.
To prepare:
- Listen to a recording from those found at this website listed in the Learning Resources: UCLA Health. (n.d.). Free guided meditations. Retrieved December 8, 2017, from http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations
- Read this article listed in the Learning Resources: Garland, E. L. (2013). Mindfulness research in social work: Conceptual and methodological recommendations. Social Work Research, 37(4), 439–448. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svt038
- Conduct a library search in the Walden Library for one research study about the effectiveness of mindfulness as an intervention for the client in the case study you have been using. Remember when looking for studies to take into account your client’s age, developmental stage, and presenting problem.
Post:
- In 1 to 2 sentences, respond to one of the four following questions in terms of what you noticed during the mindfulness exercise you completed:
o What were you thinking while you were listening?
o What were you feeling while you were listening?
o How was your body reacting while listening?
o How did you feel after you practiced mindfulness?
- In 2 to 3 sentences, describe your experience practicing this technique and how this experience influences your choice on whether to use it with a client during practice.
o Provide the reference for the study you found, and be sure to use citations in the body of your post using APA guidelines.
- In 1 to 2 sentences, briefly summarize the methodological context (i.e., research method, how data was collected, and the instruments used) of the studies and the findings.
- Evaluate the findings in terms of their validity and applicability for the client
Existential Questions and Post-Traumatic Growth
It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. From the global pandemic to social unrest and more, we’ve all been faced with some pretty big challenges. And while it’s easy to get bogged down in all the negative, there is some good that can come from tough times. In this blog post, we’re going to explore the idea of post-traumatic growth. This is the idea that we can grow and learn from our traumas and challenges. We’ll look at some of the ways this can happen and how it can help us become better people. So if you’re feeling a little lost or down, read on for some inspiration and hope.
Existential Questions as a Catalyst for Growth
Existential questions can be a powerful catalyst for growth, as they force us to confront the big questions about life and our place in the world. While these questions can be unsettling, they can also lead to a greater understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe.
In times of crisis or major life transitions, it is natural to question our existence and wonder what our lives are all about. These periods can be difficult, but they can also be an opportunity for growth. By asking ourselves tough questions and exploring our beliefs, we can develop a deeper understanding of who we are and what we want out of life.
Existential questions can help us make meaning out of difficult experiences and find new ways to cope with challenges. They can also inspire us to create positive change in our lives and make choices that are aligned with our values. When we face these questions head-on, we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities for personal transformation.
The Psychology of Existential Questions
When faced with existential questions, people often react in one of two ways: they either become paralyzed by anxiety or they find a way to grow from the experience.
The latter reaction, known as post-traumatic growth, is what interests psychologists. Why do some people find meaning and purpose in life after a traumatic event while others do not?
There are a number of theories that attempt to answer this question, but one of the most prominent is Terror Management Theory.
This theory posits that humans have a basic need for self-esteem and meaning in order to cope with the knowledge of their own mortality. When these needs are threatened, such as when faced with an existential crisis, humans will often react by reaffirming their belief in whatever gives them a sense of self-worth.
For some people, this may mean reaffirming their religious beliefs, while for others it may mean seeking out new experiences and challenges. The important thing is that they find something that gives their life purpose and meaning.
Post-traumatic growth is not about simply returning to where you were before the trauma; it’s about finding a new way to move forward in life. It’s an opportunity to reevaluate your values and priorities and to create a new narrative for your life.
The Benefits of Asking Existential Questions
It is widely accepted that asking existential questions can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma. Existential questions can help individuals make meaning of their experiences, which can lead to post-traumatic growth.
Asking existential questions can help individuals gain a greater understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Existential questions can also help individuals connect with others who have experienced similar things. Asking existential questions can lead to increased self-awareness and insight, which can be helpful in the healing process.
Some benefits of asking existential questions include:
1. Gaining a greater understanding of oneself
2. Connecting with others who have experienced similar things
3. Increased self-awareness and insight
4. Greater clarity about one’s values and beliefs
5. A sense of empowerment and control
How to Ask Existential Questions
In order to ask existential questions, it is important to be introspective and honest with oneself. Many times, people avoid these types of questions because they are afraid of the answers. However, by asking these questions, we can often gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
There are a few different ways to go about asking existential questions. One way is to keep a journal and write down any big questions that come to mind. You can also discuss your questions with a trusted friend or family member. If you’re feeling really stuck, there are even therapists who specialize in helping people explore their existential concerns.
No matter how you go about it, asking these types of questions can be incredibly powerful. They can help us confront our fears, find meaning in our lives, and connect with others on a deeper level.
Existential Questions and Post-Traumatic Growth
When life-altering events happen, it is not uncommon for people to start questioning the meaning and purpose of their existence. These existential questions can be overwhelming and lead to a feeling of hopelessness. However, research has shown that some people are able to find personal growth and meaning following a traumatic event.
This process, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), refers to the positive changes that people experience after going through a traumatic event. PTG is not about returning to the way things were before the trauma, but rather about finding a new sense of self and purpose.
There are many different ways that people can experience PTG. Some common themes include:
1) A greater appreciation for life: After experiencing a close brush with death, many people report feeling more alive and appreciative of life in general. They may start to savor the small moments and appreciate things that they took for granted before.
2) A stronger sense of personal identity: Many people who go through a traumatic event find that they have a stronger sense of who they are and what they believe in. They may become more assertive and confident as they stand up for themselves and their values.
3) Deeper relationships: The shared experience of trauma can often lead to closer bonds with others who have gone through similar experiences. These relationships can provide support and understanding during difficult times.
4) Greater compassion for others: People who have gone through a traumatic event may develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion for others who are suffering. They may be more likely to volunteer, donate, or help out in their community.
5) A new sense of purpose: After going through a traumatic event, many people find that they have a renewed sense of purpose in life. They may be more motivated to pursue their goals and make positive changes in their lives.
While PTG is not a guarantee following a traumatic event, it is important to remember that growth is possible. If you are struggling after a traumatic experience, reach out for help from a mental health professional who can support you on your journey.
Conclusion
After experiencing a traumatic event, it is not uncommon to find yourself asking big questions about life and its meaning. While this can be a difficult process, it can also lead to post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG is the positive change that can occur after a traumatic experience. If you are looking for ways to facilitate your own PTG, consider talking to a therapist or counselor, attending support groups, or engaging in other self-care activities.
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