Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Rodney FORD

Abstract

Children of Holocaust survivors are vulnerable to experiencing secondary trauma which typically manifests in emotional and psychological difficulties. Despite,their exposure to a traumatized family environment, many children of Holocaust survivors do not develop emotional or adaptive difficulties. Some demonstrate psychological resilience, reflected by their ability to adapt,to adversity and problems. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how well-adjusted,middle aged children of Holocaust survivors developed and maintained resilience.In line with resilience theory,which explains how an individual bounces back from negative circumstances, the research questions for this study examined the factors that the participants used to develop and maintain tesilience. The sample for this study included 13 middle aged children of Holocaust survivors who described themselves as well-adjusted. The researcher collected data by conducting in-depth interviews and qualitatively analyzed the data using the modified van Kaam method of phenomenological analysis. Results showed that well-adjusted children of Holocaust survivors managed and maintained resiliency through middle age by incorporating lessons learned from their parents, including the notion that nothing can keep a person down. These findings contributed to the body of knowledge on trauma prevention and may be useful to social service providers and organizations that seek to aid individuals' development of resiliency in the,wake of traumatic experiences.

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