"From the inspiring chapter quotes, to relevant historical andcurrent research, to practical clinical directions, Primer onPosttraumatic Growth takes a giant step toward both grounding usand moving us ahead with strong hope for adjustment and growth inthe post-trauma/loss world. This is a comprehensive, practical, andreadable work that should be at hand for any mental healthclinician, pastoral care professional, or student preparing forthese professions."--J. Shep Jeffreys, EdD, FT, author of Helping GrievingPeople--When Tears Are Not Enough: A Handbook for CareProviders, Second EditionA guide for helping your clients overcome negative events,based on the latest research on posttraumatic growthDrawing on the growing empirical and theoretical material onposttraumatic growth--an outgrowth of the positive psychologymovement--Primer on Posttraumatic Growth providesinsight, depth, and treatment recommendations for both theclinicians who work with those who have experienced dramaticnegative events in their lives and for other professionals whosupport victims of trauma and extreme stress.This essential primer examines:* The connections between meaning and growth* The impact of cognitive processing on posttraumatic growth* Positive emotion and posttraumatic growth* Posttraumatic growth and an "open" personality* The human drive to be in positive and important interpersonalrelationships* Forgiveness: can it be extended towards all areas ofposttraumatic growth?* Posttraumatic growth and religious and spiritual variables* Wisdom and posttraumatic growth

Acknowledgments ixIntroduction xi1 ? Posttraumatic Growth: Concise History, Definitions, andImplications 12 ? Posttraumatic Growth: Truth or Myth? 353 ? Meaning 574 ? Cognitive Processing 775 ? Positive Emotions and Growth 956 ? Personality and Personal Attributes 1137 ? Relationships 1298 ? Forgiveness 1459 ? Faith, Suffering, and Religious Coping 159On the Road to Wisdom: Being a Mindful Companion on the Path toPosttraumatic Growth: An Epilogue 179References 199Subject Index 221Author Index 227