Thriving after Trauma: The Experience of Parents of Murdered Children

Abstract

Psychological literature on trauma usually focuses on pathology that results from trauma and pays little attention to positive out-comes. This article presents a phenomenological inquiry into the experiences of a profoundly traumatized group of people—parents whose son or daughter has been murdered—to assess if they were able to experience a positive outcome resulting from their trauma and to identify associated processes and resources. Of 65 parents who volunteered, 16 were selected to complete a questionnaire and were given in-depth, semistructured interviews. The interview data, analyzed qualitatively, affirm positive outcomes for these parents. Four processes—acceptance, finding meaning, personal decision making, and reaching out to others in compassion—and six resources—personal qualities, spirituality, continuing bond with the victim, social support, previous coping experience, and self-care—facilitate a positive outcome.