Trajectories of spontaneous trauma recovery

The research on trauma has focused on the negative impact of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and its treatment. However, recent research has shed light on other possible trajectories after a person has experienced a PTE. One of the least studied of those trajectories is recovery without therapy or pharmacology.

This qualitative research explores how this trajectory is experienced and perceived, with particular attention to the factors that participants identify as having significantly influenced their recovery.

Eleven participants were interviewed. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis, and three main domains emerged: (1) Traumatic Event, (2) Process of recovery and (3) After recovery. Participants identified twenty-four factors that contributes positively to the recovery, some of the most mentioned were Social Support, Strong need to go back to normal life, believing that they are going to get better.

Prevent and be better prepared if it happens again, informing about trauma and how to recover, Distraction and Time without stressors to process the Traumatic Event. Seven factors that contributed negatively to the recovery were also described, the most referred was Negative reactions when sharing the traumatic event.

This result contributes to a deeper understanding of the trauma victims experience, as well as the recognition of the individuals’ adaptive resources. It can inform the identification and enhancement of resources that support the prevention and support of trauma survivors.