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.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Existential Questions and Post-Traumatic Growth
After a traumatic event, it is not uncommon to find yourself asking some pretty big questions about life. Why did this happen? What is the point of it all? It can be easy to get lost in these kinds of questions and spiral into a negative mindset. However, there is another way to look at things. These same questions can be the starting point for post-traumatic growth. In this blog post, we will explore some of the existential questions that may come up after a traumatic event and how you can use them to grow and heal.
Defining Existential Questions
Existential questions are those that ask about the meaning and purpose of life. They often arise in times of crisis or major life transitions, when we are forced to confront our own mortality. These questions can be difficult to answer, but they can also lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
existential questions typically focus on one or more of the following topics:
-What is the meaning of life?
-What is the purpose of life?
-What happens after death?
-Is there a God or higher power?
-What is our relationship to the universe?
-What is the nature of reality?
-How should we live our lives?
These are just some of the many existential questions that people have grappled with throughout history. There are no easy answers, but exploring these questions can help us find clarity and peace in our lives.
The Relationship Between Existential Questions and Trauma
When individuals experience a traumatic event, they are often left with many questions about the meaning of life. Why did this happen? What is the purpose of suffering? What is the point of living if we are all going to die? These questions can be very overwhelming and can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
However, some people find that after asking themselves these difficult questions, they actually feel more hopeful and motivated. This is because they have realized that life is precious and that they need to make the most of it. They may also feel more connected to others who have experienced similar trauma.
So while existential questions can be painful, they can also lead to post-traumatic growth. If you are struggling with these kinds of questions, it is important to seek out support from others who understand what you are going through.
Post-Traumatic Growth and Existential Questions
When we experience trauma, our lives are turned upside down. We may feel like we are losing our grip on reality. Our sense of self may be shattered. We may question our very existence.
But out of the darkness of trauma can come a new understanding of ourselves and the world around us. We may find that we are stronger than we thought we were. We may discover hidden reserves of courage and compassion. We may come to see our lives in a new light, with a renewed sense of purpose.
This is what is known as post-traumatic growth (PTG). PTG is not simply recovering from trauma, but using it as a springboard for positive change.
Existential questions are at the heart of PTG. Who am I? Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? These are the kinds of questions that can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Trauma can shake us up and force us to confront these big questions. But it can also give us the opportunity to grow in ways we never thought possible.
How to Address Existential Questions After a Traumatic Event
It is not uncommon to experience a range of intense emotions and feelings after a traumatic event. You may feel scared, confused, and alone. It is during these times that many people begin to ask themselvesexistential questions.
Existential questions are those that deal with the big questions in life such as, “Who am I?” “What is the meaning of life?” and “What happens after death?” While these questions can be difficult to answer, they can also be incredibly liberating.
Asking yourself these types of questions can help you gain a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you. It can also help you make sense of your experiences and find new meaning in life.
If you are struggling to address existential questions after a traumatic event, here are a few things that may help:
Talk to someone you trust: Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful. This person can provide support and guidance as you work through your existential questions.
Read about other peoples’ stories: There are many books and articles written about other peoples’ journey’s with existentialism. Reading about how others have addressed these issues can give you some ideas about how to approach your own process.
Meditate or pray: Taking some time for quiet reflection can help you connect with your inner thoughts and feelings. This can be a powerful way to gain clarity about your beliefs and values.
Conclusion
Existential questions can be painful, but they can also lead to post-traumatic growth. If you’re struggling with existential questions, it’s important to find a support system and to talk about your experiences. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
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