Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

1 ? Posttraumatic Growth: Concise History, Definitions, and Implications 1

2 ? Posttraumatic Growth: Truth or Myth? 35

3 ? Meaning 57

4 ? Cognitive Processing 77

5 ? Positive Emotions and Growth 95

6 ? Personality and Personal Attributes 113

7 ? Relationships 129

8 ? Forgiveness 145

9 ? Faith, Suffering, and Religious Coping 159

On the Road to Wisdom: Being a Mindful Companion on the Path to Posttraumatic Growth: An Epilogue 179

References 199

Subject Index 221

Author Index 227

About the Author

MARY BETH WERDEL, PhD, is an assistant professor at Fordham University. She writes and lectures on the relationships between posttraumatic growth and both positive and negative aspects of spirituality. Dr. Werdel is also a Licensed Professional Counselor and family therapist, skilled in working with families from a variety of cultural and experiential backgrounds. ROBERT J. WICKS, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and a professor at Loyola University Maryland, where he teaches in the largest CACREP-approved counseling program of its type in the world. The author of more than forty-five books, Wicks is a recognized expert in the prevention of secondary stress. He has addressed thousands of educators and professionals, including students at the FBI Academy and caregivers in China, Vietnam, Northern Ireland, and South Africa.

Reviews

"Primer on Post-Traumatic Growth: An Introduction and guide by Mary Beth Werdel and Robert J. Wicks provides a clearly written and accessible overview and discussion of posttraumatic growth for clients and other supportive caregivers of victims of trauma and extreme stress." (Springer Science & Business, May 2015)