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hulda sædís bryngeirsdóttir, sigríður halldórsdóttir
94 tímarit hjúkrunarfræðinga • 1. tbl. 94. árg. 2018
Aim: Background: research on the effects of trauma have largely
focused on their negative consequences. The purpose of this study
was to increase knowledge and deepen understanding of psycho-
logical trauma and how people achieve post-traumatic growth.
Methods: Phenomenology was chosen as a research approach.
Data was collected in 14 interviews with 12 individuals who had
experienced psychological trauma and post-traumatic growth.
Participants were aged 34 to 52 years, seven women and five men.
Results: The title of the study: “Like going down a black slope and
then coming up the green hillside”, metaphorically describes the par-
ticipants’ experience of trauma and post-traumatic growth. it
describes the difficult journey which started with the trauma. The
participants felt powerless after the trauma but considered internal
factors, such as perseverance, hardiness and the courage to face
their situation, the most important in their processing of the
trauma. They all experienced more traumas on the journey, and
expressed the need for support and caring in their situation. They
also noted the positive impact of dealing with new projects. all
participants felt that the onset of post-traumatic growth was due
to an internal need for change. They experienced that their post-
traumatic growth was characterized by improved and deeper
relationships with others, increased personal development, positive
living, increased self-knowledge and improved self-esteem.
Participants described “heavy days” despite the post-traumatic
growth, but they still felt like winners.
Conclusions: research findings indicate that the lived experience
of trauma is a challenging life experience, but certain internal fac-
tors are prerequisites for post-traumatic growth. it is important that
nurses and other professionals respond to their clients’ traumas
through early detection and intervention, along with support, car-
ing and follow-up.
Keywords: Mental health nursing, psychological trauma, post-trau-
matic growth, phenomenology, interviews.
Correspondent: hulda@unak.is
English Summary
Bryngeirsdottir, h.S., halldorsdottir, S.
“Like going down a Black Slope and then coming up the green hillside”:
People’s Experience of Trauma and Post-Traumatic growth