But many individuals also experience something else: positive change. In fact, in 1996 psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun coined the term "post-traumatic growth" to describe this phenomenon (in this paper).
In the book Upside: The New Science of Post-Traumatic Growth, journalist Jim Rendon writes: "In study after study, research shows that about half or more trauma survivors report positive changes as a result of their experience. Sometimes these are small changes — they feel that life has more meaning, that they are closer to their loved ones. For some the changes are life-altering, sending people on career and life paths they never would have considered before, transforming who they are and how they view the world."
In Upside, an inspiring, empowering and well-researched book, Rendon shares these transformative stories, along with the latest research on what fosters post-traumatic growth.
For instance, Rendon tells the story of Shane Mullins, who lives in Ireland. Ten years ago, Mullins suffered a traumatic brain injury after he ran his car off the road and a stone pillar struck his head. For months Mullins was on a feeding tube, confined to a wheelchair and had trouble saying what he wanted to say.
Comment: Innate tendency of humans to appreciate another's hospitality: Scholars study the evolution of human generosity