The Guardian January 2013

Inside this issue:

President’s Message 2

On the Cover 2

IAEM-APUS

Student Page 3

Special Section for Dr.

Tom Phelan 4

Post-Traumatic

Growth 12

More ‘Rainbows’ 19

Natural Bridges Park 20

A bimonthly publication of the

International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)

Student Chapter at

American Public University System

January 2013 Volume 7, Issue 1

The Guardian

Greetings:

First of all, I would like to take

this opportunity to wish everyone

a Happy New Year! The first of

the year often results in resolu-

tions- to exercise, to quit smok-

ing, to spend more time with

family. Despite the fact that our

chapter is composed of over 250

members, I propose that we join

together as one in our resolutions.

What should our chapter resolu-

tion be? While many would sug-

gest increasing membership or

expanding our budget, I would

disagree. I believe that we should

resolve to make this chapter as

beneficial to its members as possi-

ble. This chapter exists to serve

the members. I believe that our

New Year’s resolution can be

achieved by improving communi-

cation and increasing networking.

It should come as no surprise that

the biggest challenge that a virtual

group of our size faces is commu-

nication. Through the last few

teleconferences, the group has

expressed interest in increasing

communication in a variety of

ways.

Starting this month, you can ex-

pect a monthly email from the

executive board detailing the

latest news, events, discussions,

and networking opportunities

within the chapter. Please ensure

that you have an active email ac-

count on file. In addition, com-

munications to new members will

be more detailed and explain the

various ways to get involved

within the chapter.

Starting this month, you can ex-

pect a monthly email from the

executive board detailing the

latest news, events, discussions,

and networking opportunities

within the chapter. Please ensure

that you have an active email ac-

count on file. In addition, com-

munications to new members will

be more detailed and explain the

various ways to get involved

within the chapter.

In addition to our monthly tele-

conference, the Distinguished

Speaker Series will be held quar-

terly; this series will be a way to

network with other organiza-

tions as well as discuss the topics

that the group chooses.

Resolutions are often known to

become mere memories by

March; I am confident that this

will not be the case with this

goal. The resources for commu-

nicating and networking within

the chapter and the Emergency

Management field will be pro-

vided- it’s up to you to take

advantage and participate!

I encourage everyone to join the

monthly teleconference, get

involved with a committee, or

simply start a discussion on The

Quad or LinkedIn.

Here’s to a great year!

Amanda Metzger,

President

IAEM SC APUS

Messag e from the Pres i dent

On The Cover: Owachomo Bridge

Amanda Metzger,

President of the

IAEM Student Chapter

~~~~~

Contact Amanda at:

IAEM-USA@APUS

Page 2

The Guardian

APUS IAEM Officers

2012-2013

President:

Amanda Metzger

Vice President:

Allen Straub

Secretary:

Karyn Harwood-Myers

Treasurer:

Vacant

~~

Past Presidents:

Craig Mercier

Jim Garlits

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Karen Cieslewicz

Editor, The Guardian:

Victoria C. Locey

Volume 7, Issue 1

The Owachomo Bridge is a natural formation carved from years of wind and water erosion.

This natural land bridge is located in Natural Bridges National Monument Park in Utah. There are

two other natural land bridges within the National Park but Owachomo Bridge is the smallest, the

thinnest, and possibly the oldest of the Utah land bridges.

Owachomo is the Hopi word for ‘rock mound’ and refers to a feature located on the bridge’s east

abutment. Owachomo’s sister bridges are Sipapu meaning ‘the place of emergence’ referring to the

Hopi traditional story of how their ancestor entered this world by crossing over the Sipapu Bridge.

The third is named Kachina after the symbols that appear on the Hopi Kachina dolls.

Natural Bridges National Park was established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt - Utah’s

first national park is located 35 miles west of the city of Blanding, Utah.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Igor Smolyar, NOAA/NESDIS/NODC from NOAA’s Small World Collection

www.photolib.noaa.gov/700s/amer0049.jpg

http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/700s/amer0049.jpg

Page 3

Volume 7, Issue 1

IAEM @ APU S Student Page

WANT TO JOIN OUR CHAPTER?

go to:

https://www.iaem.com/members_online/

members/newmember.asp

And join as a student for $40

Once you have joined IAEM, you will receive an email

receipt verifying that you joined or renewed. Forward the email

along with your APUS student ID number to:

Craig Mercier at:

IAEM-USA@APUS

Upon receipt of your email copy we will add you to the IAEM-USA

Student Chapter at APUS’ collaboration portal on TeamLab.

Upcoming Events & Member ship Infor mation

You can participate in the IAEM-APUS Monthly

Membership Meetings by calling toll free:

Teleconference Number: (866) 706-1130 ~ Passcode: 4201538

January 19, 2013 12:00 noon

February 16, 2013 12:00 noon

March 16, 2013 12:00 noon

IAEM Student Chapter at APUS

Masters of Disasters: AMU/APU Emergency

Management & Homeland Security Students

APUS_IAEM

Follow us on

Facebook, Linked In, or Twitter

The Guardian

https://www.iaem.com/members_online/members/newmember.asp

https://www.iaem.com/members_online/members/newmember.asp

This Specia l Sect ion of The Guardian i s Devoted to Dr. Tom Phelan

as he Embarks on a New Jour ney in Li fe

The Guardian Volume 7, Issue 1

Page 4

This section of The Guardian contains notes and remembrances from those who knew Dr. Tom best.

We will miss you Dr. Tom and wish you the very best as you begin your new journey.

Dr. Tom, I have greatly enjoyed our work together and I wish for you the best in all you pur-sue in the future. I hope you stay in touch. Daniel Hahn, MA, CEM FPEM

Thanks for your leadership.

Audra Mae Talbot

RAINBOW CLOUD

May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be ever at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face And the rain fall softly on your fields.

And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his Hand.

~ An Irish Blessing

Circumhorizon Arc over Alentejo, Portugal Permission to reprint granted under terms of GNU Free Documentation License. Photograph taken June 13, 2008 by N. Barr

Volume 7, Issue 1 The Guardian

Page 5


Page 6

Letter From Elizabeth Russell, Faculty Advisor

We, with the APUS community, know Dr. Tom as a man of many, many talents. As an educator, trainer, and consultant,

Dr. Tom is profound; he has an exquisite knowledge of emergency management, an unprecedented understanding of adult learning, and an amazing knack for tracking current events and research that is currently unequaled. And, as a university administrator, Dr. Tom was exceptional; his care for his faculty and students was unparalleled and his ability to foster a positive educational community was impressive down to the minutia. And as a singer, Dr. Tom is simply wonderful, with the greatest stylization of “Walking in the Rain” I can claim to have heard. However, to me, as a mentor and a respected friend, he is much more – a lasting source of passion and commitment that has shaped me as both a professional and individual.

My affiliation with Dr. Tom began at Elmira College, where I became a graduate student in his program. After the trials and tribulations of life as an undergraduate, I can admit that I was not fully aware, at the time, of what I hoped to gain from an emer-gency management degree, and was not necessarily expecting a profound attachment to the field on which I had set my sights. How-ever, I did intend to attack the degree with an open mind, a love for knowledge, and a desire to fulfill my dream of post-graduate study; luckily for me, Dr. Tom led me on this path with similar conviction – a passion to instill knowledge, encourage life-long learning, and broaden the horizons of his students of all makes and models. And so I finished my Master’s degree, and found myself again in his charge at APUS, where I was able to join the ranks of respected emergency management instructors and am, today, both fortunate enough to honor him and unfortunate enough to see him leave our ranks.

Although I can say Dr. Tom taught me a lot about emergency management, it was - more than anything - his passion for what he did as an educator, or as an administrator, that I find leaves the greatest impression on me as a fellow educator and life-long learner. As a student, he believed in my work, pushed me to exceed limitations, and supported my educational goals. He pushed me to attend conferences, provided me with the latest outside resources, and always gave an encouraging word whenever one was needed - and even when I thought one was not (but – of course - truly was). As an instructor in his charge, he provided me with opportunities to improve courses and mentor students, believing in my ability to advise APUS’ Student Chapter of IAEM and en-couraging my participation within the school community. And, as a fellow professional, Dr. Tom has always supported my research, my presentations, and my consulting through email, phone, or - when I was truly honored - as an audience member, always provid-ing a comforting smile and a word of encouragement.

With this passion, I also find in Dr. Tom a constant sense of commitment and ownership. Under his charge, our program was just that – ours – and the success of our students was, in his view, a mark of the success of our faculty as well as the relationships that we were able to establish with our students. Each of our decisions and all of our courses had consequence – positive ones –and each of us had the ability to frame a success based on our commitment to that positive consequence. The manner in which he be-lieved in our ability as faculty to do that was addictive and drives me to success in all aspects of my career.

And of our students, Dr. Tom assumed no less. Their successes, to include a Student Academic Scholar Award for a gradu-ate and for an undergraduate within the School of Public Service and Health, were viewed as a culmination of the experience, knowledge, and hard work of individuals AND of the school community, so that each student could simultaneously be proud of the man or woman receiving their award, and also of the role each played in the learning of others and the growth of a community and field of study.

Dr. Tom’s mentorship introduced me to a wide world of possibility – possibility, passion, and commitment – that has framed my career since its inception. And, although I have written this piece in a mixed of past and present tenses, I have every in-tention of humbly attempting to carry that legacy here at APUS, and watching and supporting Dr. Tom as he carries this legacy out elsewhere. Although I selfishly wish he would stay, I am glad to know that others will get a chance to see his passion and commit-ment, and catch the fever that has been so elemental in my own career, and I am sure in the careers of others.

Elizabeth Russell Full-time Faculty

School of Public Service and Health American Military University


Page 7

It was a pleasure to be a student of yours this past winter 503 session! As I am still a newbie in the MOD at AMU I am a touch saddened to no longer have you as a professor there but I wish you all the best, all the same! Life is all about change so best wishes to you as you embrace your next life chapter!!!

Very Respectfully, Briana Dore

You have been an inspiration.

Please keep in touch.

Samantha Brear

You’ve been in and out of my life academically for over 30 years and have left an indelible mark along the way. Thank you for everything. Please stay in touch.

David Kolb, MA, CEM

Dr. Tom,

I can't even begin to express the joy, happiness and deep sadness that I feel about your

"moving on". It is with those mixed feelings that I wish you the best and I promise that I will

keep in touch. In fact I would say try and keep me away. Like so many others here you have

been an inspiration and guidance to me over the last several years both as an academician

and a colleague in the field of emergency management. You will truly be missed here in the

MOD, but also at the school and in courses. I wish you the best from my body, mind and

soul.

Christopher Schwartz

Dr. Tom, thank you for all you have done for the program and for me as a student and professional! Godspeed in your future endeavors!

Bill Zito, Jr.

Congrats Dr. Tom, best of luck to you. Please keep in touch.

Jerry McAteer, MA, CEM, MEMS

Best wishes to you, Tom. Take care!

Dr. Carol Pollio

Letter From Past President, Hannah Vick

Page 8


In my disaster recovery travels, I often bump into someone who also knows Dr. Tom. The conversation is nearly always identical. The person will say, “Isn’t Dr. Tom great? Let me tell you about the time he helped me…” And so it goes, no matter how many shared acquaintances I meet. When Dr. Tom is mentioned in a conversation, there’s always a story to tell about how he supported us, assisted us, or connected us together. Dr. Tom embodies the spirit of cooperation and networking that propels the emergency management community forward. As we say farewell to Dr. Tom, we know he made a tremendous im-pact on American Military/Public University’s Emergency & Disaster Man-agement program, but what sets him apart from other professors is his ability to bring out the best in his students. He has a way (that very few people possess ) to amplify the successes and achievements of those around him. Dr. Tom is never “about” Dr. Tom; he’s about drawing out and emphasizing the talented individuals he finds. His genuine enthusiasm for others’ success comes out in everything he does.

Dr. Tom has been a trusted advisor and confidant since I took his first class in 2009. I know I am not alone in saying that my academic experi-ence was immeasurably improved because of his encouragement and friendship. As he begins a new chapter, I know that he will take with him the many, many good wishes from the students he helped during his time at AMU/APU.

Hannah Vick Past President, 2010-2011

AMU/APU Student Chapter of IAEM

Page 9


Letter From Past President, Daniel Hahn

While serving as the first APUS IAEM chapter president Dr Tom was not the faculty advisor, but he was an instructor. It was Dr Tom that first convinced me to publish in the IAEM Bulletin, and that single action has culminated in a host of articles in the IAEM Bulletin, Continuity Insights Magazine, and The Journal of Business Continuity and Emergency Planning. All it took was his encourage-ment.

Dr Tom has always been a positive influence both on me as an individual and on the APUS student chapter. I cannot wish him more happiness and success than I do right now.

Daniel Hahn

Dr. Phelan,

I am having the worst luck here. I wanted to

take classes from Dr. Reynolds, he left. I was

waiting to get into a class with you, now

you're leaving. I'm beginning to develop a

complex here....issues of abandonment haha-

haha. All the best to you in your new en-

deavors. You will be missed!!

David Wollard, BSN, RN

Sir,

It was a pleasure meeting with you in

person for the first and only time at the

2012 commencement activities. I surely got

a sense of your passion and in-depth

knowledge of emergency services. May your

new adventures have you working smarter

and not harder! Take Care & God Bless!

Gregory Proctor


Page 10

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANUEVER TRAINING CENTER INDIVIDUAL REPLACEMENT DEPLOYMENT OPERATIONS

BLDG 300, P. O. BOX 5000 EDINBURGH, IN 46124-5000

20 July 2012 Individual Replacement Deployment Operations

Dr. Thomas Phelan American Public University System 111 West Congress Street, Charles Town, WV 25414 Dear Dr. Tom, I heard this week that you were stepping down from your position as Program Director of Emergency and Disaster Management and Fire Science. Let me first wish you every success with your plans for the future, and thank you for the hard work that you put in to build the EDM and Fire Science programs, as well as our very active IAEM Student Chapter. There have been a couple of occasions when I’ve talked to practitioners about my online EDM master’s degree course work and been asked which institution I’m attending. When I said American Military University, they reacted positively. That is a testament to the excellence you’ve demanded of the instructors and the course materials. That brings me to my memories of the 14th annual FEMA Higher Education Conference at Emmitsburg when I walked into the “pub” expecting to find in meeting you for the first time, that you would be a stuffy academic type. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Professional to the core and dis-playing a deep love of learning, you instantly put me at ease. Getting the opportunity to meet you, and our academic advisor Elizabeth Russell, only reinforced my earlier conviction that I had chosen the right place to pursue my degree. Your absence from American Public University System will be felt, believe me! Again, Dr. Tom, best wishes in your future endeavors. I am glad that my time as president of the IAEM Student Chapter at APUS was during your time with the program. God bless and good luck. Very Respectfully, Major Jim Garlits IRDO Deputy Director P.O. Box 5000, Building 300 Edinburgh, IN 46124

Letter From Past President, Jim Garlits


Page 11

Thanks so much for all you have done at APUS Dr. Tom. You have left your mark and will be greatly missed. Best of luck in your future endeavors. Please keep in touch. Cheers, Dorian Young, BA, MA, MPhil, ABCP, AMBCI

Best of luck in everything that you do,

and thank you for your help and support over the years.

Michael Kelley, Jr., AEM, ALEM, SC, CEM, MEMS

I am so sorry that AMU/APUS is

losing you. Thank you for all of your help,

and best wishes.

Jamie Gravelle, MA, CEM

Best wishes to you on your future

endeavors.

Ellen James

Thanks so much for your leadership and service to all of us at APUS. Wishing you every success! Diane Morad

You have been an asset to APUS and an

inspiration to me, personally. Best wishes in

all that you do.

Greg Butler

Hi Dr. Tom,

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed taking your classes and thank you so much for all your help!

Rebecca Hoog

Best of luck in future endeavors ... you have been an incredible force in the programs.

DJ Phalen

The limited research and literature on the impact of negative events has focused on the psychopathology associ-ated with traumatic episodes. A new area of Positive Psy-chology offers another vehicle for investigating the possibili-ties of personal growth within the context of distressing and traumatic events. This new research focuses on Post-traumatic Growth (PTG). It was Tedeschi and Calhoun (1996) who pioneered the theory of Post-traumatic Growth.

Post-traumatic growth is a belief within the realm of positive psychological change that transpires as the cause of one’s struggle with an ex-tremely challenging, stressful, and traumatic event. Post-traumatic growth and the positive change transpire as a result of the exertion of highly challenging life tragedies. Fur-thermore, PTG has been

closely associated with trauma and resilience.

Tedeschi and Calhoun

(2004), defined PTG as "positive psychological change experiences that result from the struggle with highly chal-lenging life circumstances." Whereas, Chopko and Schwartz (2009) contend that PTG is a term that describes the positive outcomes of trauma. Post - traumatic growth is a positive change within an individual occurring as an experience that inter-rupts one's views of humanity.

They further contend that

PTG does not occur as a di-rect result of the trauma, but rather as a new idealism in the aftermath of the trauma that determines the degree of post-traumatic growth. As a re-sult, the cognitive processing produces new schemes that assimilate the ordeal into the individual's outlook (Chopko & Schwartz, 2009). The vari-

ous reactions to traumatic encounters may be viewed as coping strategies that takes effort to balance the demands of the surroundings and the accessible resources of the person (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007).

Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) states that PTG por-trays the experience of the person whose development surpasses what was existing prior to the exertion of the crises occurring. The person has not only lived through the event, but also has witnessed changes that are viewed as important and go well beyond what was the pervious status quo. Post-traumatic growth is not simply a return to the baseline, it is an experience of change for the better (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Trauma, Resilience, and PTG

Post-Traumatic Growth: Positive Impact of Negative Events

Page 12

The Guardian

Written By:

Sheri Sperin

Volume 7, Issue 1

Post-Traumatic Growth

Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the positive outcome of trauma as it relates to negative experiences

from exposure to the aftermath of traumatic events. Nevertheless, there is tremendous substantia-

tion that traumatic events can yield numerous negative physical and psychological outcomes, many

experts suggest that traumatic events may produce positive outcomes. Post-traumatic growth mani-

fests in an array of ways such as increased positive reception for life universally, more significant in-

terpersonal relationships, a greater wisdom of personal strength, different precedence, and a more

affluent existence and religious existence. The expression is new, but the idea that mammoth good

comes from great suffering is prehistoric (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). According to Friedrich

Nietzsche, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” This adversity hypothesis states that a person

requires adversity, trauma, and setbacks, in order to grow, find fulfillment, develop as a person, and

find his or her inner strength.

“All humanity’s

miseries derive

from not being

able to sit quietly

in a room alone.”

~ Blaise Pascal

17th-Century French

Philosopher


Page 13

Volume 7, Issue 1

Post-traumatic growth was born out of the assumption that individuals may witness some good emerging from traumatic struggles such as rape, incest, bereavement, cancer, HIV infection, heart attacks, disasters, combat, and refugee experiences (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996 & 2004).

Other examples of trauma

include rheumatoid arthritis, bone marrow transplants, ve-hicle accidents, being held hostage by one or more cap-tors, coping with medical is-sues for children, and house fires. Whilst the meaning of trauma is easy to understand, it can be described in many ways. Post-traumatic growth is used to symbolize an ex-treme incident to signify the means of coping with adver-sity, and to signify the conse-quential outcome of coping with trauma and disaster (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007).

From the enormous docu-

mentations of individuals who experience traumatic events, the majority can survive adap-tively and do not get tangled-up in the process (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007; Regehr & Bober, 2005).

Regehr and Bober, (2005)

state that individuals who can maintain a sense of control and optimism regarding traumatic outcomes are expected to maintain resilience or the scheme of adaptive coping with the challenge of adversity.

Tedeschi and Calhoun

(2004) provide examples with brief descriptions that suggest a horrifying and perplexing af-termath of trauma where ele-mentary idealisms are severely opposed and produced unex-pected outcomes within survi-vors that witnessed post-traumatic growth.

Lance Armstrong, who was

diagnosed with testicular can-cer in 1996, is an example of how an individual uses PTG to overcome challenges. In Arm-strong's case, the cancer had spread to his lungs and brain. He had to undergo numerous surgeries and strenuous che-motherapy. However, Arm-strong made this statement about his struggle with cancer:

"Looking back, I wouldn't change anything. Had I not been sick, I wouldn't have met my wife. I don't feel unlucky to have gone through this. I learned a lot and grew tremendously the last two years" (p. 1). Similarly, Chopko and

Schwartz (2009) state that the cognitive process of those ex-periencing the horrifying and perplexing outcome of trauma, PTG manifests itself as a supe-rior admiration for life result-ing in more meaningful inter-personal rapports and an in-crease in consciousness of per-sonal strength. This has been seen in disaster survivors, indi-viduals afflicted with chronic physical diseases, medical per-

sonnel influenced by vicarious trauma, and traumatized chil-dren. Theses survivors can oscillate between remember-ing and avoiding recollections of their experiences where they can assimilate the mem-ory, discover meaning in the experience, and return to a balance in their performance when building resilience (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007). Thus, this brings the possibility that the "resilient person" brings into play protective factors under specific circum-

stances. According to Pat-Horenczyk and Brom (2007), this positive development after trauma and disasters is the abundant foundation for the vision of PTG.

As a result of current stud-

ies, the relationship between post-traumatic growth and post-traumatic stress disorder are well thought-out in the way in which PTG is related to well-being and wellness (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007). This allows for PTG to be con-sidered in a multiplicity of ways.

The Guardian

Continued on Page 14


PTG to transpire (Chopko & Schwartz, 2009; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Acknowledging a traumatic event that has taken place without evaluating it may not draw adequate cognitive de-velopment of the episode. However, Tedeschi and Cal-houn (2004) suggest that in-tentional cognitive processing or emotional intelligence of an event is essential for growth. Thus meaning that in the mindfulness belief, a person must take on the mindset of nonjudgmental awareness at the same time as welcoming thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations as these become obvious. Under this thought, these feelings must happen regardless of being negative or positive.

In Tedeschi and Calhoun's

1996 research, they found, at most, three extensive groups of apparent benefits from most traumatic events that have some good developing from the alarming encounter. However, Tedeschi and Cal-houn (2004) reiterate that traumatic occurrences are not to be pictured merely as pre-cursors to growth. Secondly, it is important to understand that psychological develop-ment involves manning the intrusions of the identical types of processes that also can facilitate positive transfor-mations. These benefits in-clude modifications in self-

perception, modifications in interpersonal relationships, and modifications in the phi-losophy of life.

Perceived Changes

in Self

According to Tedeschi and Calhoun (1996; 2004) indi-viduals who have gone through medical traumas, especially cancer patients and abused children, feel physically pow-erful and more self-assured. It appears as if living through life traumas bestows an enormous amount of information relating to self-reliance, affecting not only self-evolution of compe-tence in difficult situations but also helping to address difficul-ties in an assertive manner (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

These adaptive challenges of

the individual represent note-worthy demands on the per-son's ability to understanding the world around him and her place in it (Tedeschi & Cal-houn, 2004). These individuals draw upon the conclusion that they are strong, confident, and able to handle future traumas. According to Chopko and Schwartz (2009), people who assess a life crisis as a challenge they can master and cope more enthusiastically with the crisis; better able to strengthen their resolve.

A Changed Sense of Relationship with

Others

An important facet of PTG is for a person with an increase in mindfulness to reveal personal and other recognition and cog-nitive streamlining abilities. Mindfulness is the instinctive element of emotional intelli-gence that is decisive in

influencing a person's under-standing of events and his or her emotional manners and performance (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007; Didonna, 2010).

Other researchers say this is an attitude or cognition that manifests in positive behavior or is a coping mechanism in-tended to equalize the harmful impact to the exposure of trauma; though this could mean the optimistic instanta-neous or long-term outcome with the struggle of highly challenging life events. Mean-while, others emphasize the significance of optimistic im-portance after a disastrous event or the clear-cut legacy (Pat-Horenczyk & Brom, 2007).

Chopko and Schwartz's (2009) research supports a person who attempts to deal with crises using approach cop-ing, as well as judging experi-ences, and expressing more PTG than those using either avoidance or nonjudgmental acceptance. This finding is consistent with the suggestion that a person has an obligation to reflect on and evaluate the experience and its outcome for

The Guardian

Page 14

Written By:

Sheri Sperin

Continued

from

page 13

Volume 7, Issue 1

Page 15

The Guardian

A changed sense of relation-

ship occurs when an individual realizes that he or she may suffer the loss of someone from a traumatic event (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). These individuals report they have a deeper connection with their family and friends as they realize how important these relationships are and how quickly they can vanish. A similar traumatic event occurs when a child is born prema-turely as well as the child that does not live beyond 72-hours. The mother's reaction to the loss of a child typically includes yearning for the deceased, sadness, and wistfulness that life could be different (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). When the child does survive, the relationship becomes stronger and the family bond becomes more powerful be-cause of the severe prenatal medical problems.

A different aspect of improv-

ing relationships after trau-matic experience was reported with rape victims (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). The rape vic-tim reports learning that the sexual offense has forced her to make a decision in determining what is best for her own inter-est, together with protecting herself from an abusive perpe-trator. Victims have come to value themselves more and cope with relationships better after surviving a rape, resulting in positive changes even


Volume 7, Issue 1

though it has taken numerous years to mature (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996).

Whilst individuals are faced

with traumatic events, the con-stant need for conversation regarding the consequences of these experiences can inculcate the individuals in becoming more self-disclosing than they may have otherwise been (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Individuals report self -disclosure as an opportunity to accept one's vulnerability. This vulnerability leads to supple-mentary emotional articulate-ness, readiness to accept sup-port, and accept help from so-cial networks. Thus this opti-mistic development of social associations begins with the increase of sensitivity with other individuals and efforts aimed at improving relation-ships (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996).

A Changed Philosophy of

Life

A changed philosophy of life focuses on the spiritual beliefs of those suffering from trauma as a positive response in coping with critical situations (Chopko & Schwartz, 2009; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Some be-reaved individuals report an increase for the appreciation for their own reality. The Chopko and Schwartz (2009) study pro-poses that focusing on spiritual concerns of patrons may help

facilitate them in embracing the PTG concept.

Spirituality associated with PTG can simply yield a greater sense of universal manifestation, an amplified commitment and increased comprehension of one's religious beliefs, and an awareness of being linked to something superior than was possible prior to the trauma (Chopko & Schwartz, 2009; McGrath, 2006; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Furthermore, the spiritual perspective for some may be temporarily weakened by the catastrophe, while others may become increasingly cynical, less religious, and require more effort to understand the trauma that may eventually lead to a greater strength in their beliefs (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996).

Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004)

believe that intensification of religious ideals could lead to an improved sense of control, fa-miliarity, and worth. Acknowl-edging this implication in the midst of trauma and its after-math may permit a person to encounter emotional reprieve and lead to a new philosophy of life that modifies fundamental assumptions individuals em-brace regarding life and what meaning it holds.

The common awareness that

pain and distress are possible sources of positive change is thousands of years old


Page 16

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The Guardian

(McGrath, 2006; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). For instance, Tedeschi & Calhoun (2004) argue some of the initial con-cepts and writings of the an-cient Hebrews, Greeks, and early Christians, as well as the philosophy of Buddhism, Hin-duism, and Islam include ele-ments of the transformative authority of suffering. Accord-ing to McGrath (2006), Chris-tianity spread in the frame-work of adversity but was first born in the abrupt aftermath of trauma. This posttraumatic birth is a ttr ibuted to (McGrath, 2006, p. 291):

"Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn . . . you will have pain, but your pain will turn to joy. When a woman is in labor, she has pain . . . But when her child is born, she no longer re-members the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. (John 16: 20–21)"

The earliest historical refer-ences to the origin of the movement by outsiders come from Flavius Josephus, script in the early 90s CE and Publius Cornelius Tacitus, script in 115 CE. Despite marked dif-ferences in tone, these two accounts paint a basically simi-lar picture (McGrath, 2006, p. 292):

"About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man. For he was a doer of startling deeds, a teacher of people who re-

ceived the truth with pleas-ure. And he gained a follow-ing both among many Jews and among many of Greek origin. Because of an accusa-tion made by the leading men of that time, Pilate condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously did not cease to do so. And up until this very day the tribe of the Chris-tians (named after him) has not died out (Josephus, Jew-ish Antiquities 18:63-64)."

"Christus, the founder of the name, had undergone the death penalty in the reign of Tiberius, by sentence of the procurator Pontius Pilate, and the pernicious supersti-tion was checked for the moment, only to break out once more, not merely in Judaea, the home of the disease, but in the capital itself, where all things horri-ble or shameful in the world collect and find a vogue (Tacitus, Annals 15:44, 2–3)."

The most important theme of philosophical inquests and the writings of poets, drama-tists, and novelists include at-tempts to recognize and ascer-tain the significance of human affliction. The focus on spiri-tual maturity appears to be fundamental for PTG. Even the research conducted by Chopko and Schwartz (2009) showed that concentrating on spiritual concerns with victims helps them to accomplish supe-

rior posttraumatic growth. This clearly means that spiritu-ality in the context of PTG can simply communicate a larger sense of a divine presence.

Additionally, an increase in a person's religious commit-ment, a flawless comprehen-sion, and a sense of being con-nected to something greater than was possible prior the ordeal assists in PTG. This can be observed in the person's recognition of innovative po-tential for one's existence or the possibility of embarking on a bright and different chapter in life (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Non-religious individuals or those who are devotedly athe-istic can also experience pro-gression in this field. This may take on the drive to seek an-swers to existential questions and that commitment may lead to a positive growth evoked by the tragedy (Chopko & Schwartz, 2009; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Positive Growth

For those who encounter some form of traumatic occur-rence there should be the slightest positive change suc-ceeding the trauma with vary-ing reliance on the collection of occurrences and many other causes (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Positive changes can fortify a whole new way of existing that embraces the in-nermost ideology of positive psychology (Linley & Joseph,

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2003).

These positive changes may occur in spite of a person's way of life, the wisdom to appreci-ate every day to the fullest possible extent, and what actu-ally matters to a person in his or her life (Linley & Joseph, 2003). Some may create posi-tive changes in which they are wiser, or perform more self-lessly in the ritual of other people, or have a greater awareness of personal resil-ience and strength (Linley & Joseph, 2003). Whereas, oth-ers may focus their energies on social rebirth, political activ-ism, or even enhance their present relationships by valu-ing their friends and family in a more positive social environ-ment.

Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) insist that it is not trauma itself that is to blame for post-traumatic growth as much as what transpires after the trauma. Researchers say what is more critical in PTG are the challenges to the as-sumptive world that sets in action the cognitive dispensa-tion essential for growth. Trauma victims embrace this positive methodology to life within a framework of catas-trophic hopefulness. The vic-tims grasp firsthand the ups and downs, and the limits of human existence. This respon-siveness guides them to live their lives in a framework that is genuinely positive, authen-tic, and gives back to the com-

munity through the benefits of their experiences.

These narratives of trauma

and survival are always impor-tant in PTG, because of the developments of these narra-tives compels survivors to deal with questions of meaning and how it can be rationalized (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) go on to say that optimism may well be associated with PTG on a distinct platform. Opti-mism may be related to PTG via the affect it has on emo-tional intelligence. Explicitly, idealists may be better suited to focus awareness and re-sources on the most essential subjects, and extricate them-selves from uncontrollable or unsolvable difficulties.

Post-traumatic growth shares some general ground-work with what has been illus-trated as the "fundamental pragmatics of life" (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004, p. 12). A per-son who faces crucial chal-lenges in his or her life may well increase the ability to balance rumination and moti-vation, weigh the known and the unknown, be better capa-ble to receive various para-doxes of life, and to be more open to satisfactorily tackle the basic issues of human survival (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

An awareness of the poten-tial for positive change may help efforts to improve mental health services to consider

aiding traumatized persons. Post-traumatic growth ties together the mainstay princi-ples of positive psychology, and these principles may be particularly imperative in the emotional intelligence that occurs in the outcome of trauma and the effective use for trauma survivor therapeu-tic services (Linley & Joseph, 2003; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004).

Conclusion

It is important to under-stand that reports of PTG a re p re se n t l y we l l -documented and the psy-chological aspects are key reactions to life catastrophes that ought to be integrated into research, training, and education. Post-traumatic growth is multifaceted and cannot effortlessly be down-graded to a coping system, psychological amendment, or a host of other apparently comparable perspectives (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). According to Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004), the outcomes of


“...it is not trauma

itself that is to blame

for post-traumatic

growth as much as

what transpires after

the trauma.”



post-traumatic growth may be unsurpassed as iterative, and it will take longitudinal work to trace the diverse flight of post-traumatic growth. Viktor E. Frankl once wrote:

"That everything can be taken from a man but...the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circum-stances, to choose one's own way. It does not really mat-ter what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us. We need to stop asking about the meaning of life, but instead to think of ourselves who were being questioned by life - daily and hourly. Our answers must consist, not in talk and mediation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsi-bility to find the right an-swer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual. We can discover the meaning of life in three different ways: (1) by doing a deed; (2) by experiencing a value; and (3) by suffer-ing."

References

Chopko, B. A., & Schwartz, R. C. (2009, October). The relation between mindful-ness and posttraumatic growth: A study of first re-sponders to trauma-inducing incidents. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 31(4), 363-376. Didonna, F. (2010). Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness. New York, NY: Springer Science. Linley, P. A., & Joseph, S. (2003, March). Trauma and personal growth. Psycholo-gist, 16(3), 135.

McGrath, J. C. (2006, June). Post -traumatic growth and the origins of early Christianity. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 9(3), 291-306.

Pat-Horenczyk, R., & Brom, D. (2007). The mul-tiple faces of post-traumatic growth. Applied Psychology: An international review, 56( 3 ) , 3 7 9 - 3 8 5 . d o i : 1 0 . 1 1 1 1 / j . 1 4 6 4 -0597.2007.00297.x

Regehr, C., & Bober, T. (2005). In the line of fire: Trauma in the emergency ser-vices. New York, NY: Ox-ford University.

Tedeschi, R. G., & Cal-houn, L. G. (1996). The posttraumatic growth inven-tory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(3), 455-469.

Tedeschi, R. G., & Cal-houn, L. G. (2004). Post-traumatic growth: Concep-tual foundations and empiri-cal evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1-18.

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Double Rainbow

Photo Courtesy of David Sinson, NOAA, Office of Coast Survey

Accessed from: http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/line2112.htm

Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Lake Powell, Utah

NPS Photo by Jonathan Parker obtained from

National Park Service:

http://www.nps.gov/rabr/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm

And...Some More ‘Rainbows’

Rainbow Falls, Frozen in Winter, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC (& TN)

Photo Courtesy of National Parks Service:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/photosmultimedia/Waterfalls.htm

http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/line2112.htm

http://www.nps.gov/rabr/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/photosmultimedia/Waterfalls.htm

Page 20


The Milky Way seen from Owachomo Bridge

Photo by Wally Pacholka/www.AstroPics.com

Photo obtained from National Parks Service:

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/darkskypark.htm Sipapu Bridge

Photo obtained from National Parks Service:

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/photosmultimedia/upload/SipapuBridge.jpg

Mule Deer

NPS Photo by Neal Herbert obtained from National Parks Service:

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/animals.htm Whipple Fishhook Cactus - a drought-resistant plant


http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/plants.htm

Biological Soil Crust - a living groundcover that provides a foundation for

plants; it retains moisture, prevents erosion, and provides nutrients.


http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/

naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm

Ephemeral Pools or Potholes are naturally occurring sandstone basins that

collect rainwater needed to sustain plants and animals


http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/pools.htm

To find a National Park near you, visit www.nps.gov where you can search by state, activity, or park name!

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/darkskypark.htm

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/photosmultimedia/upload/SipapuBridge.jpg

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/animals.htm

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/plants.htm

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm

http://www.nps.gov/nabr/naturescience/pools.htm

http://www.nps.gov

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The Guardian January 2013