Negotiating life challenges: integrating a narrative pathways model of growth

This thesis involved an in depth exploration of the experiences of 12 people who responded adaptively to significant traumatic life experiences. Interpretative Phenomenological Analyses of interview data led to development of a Narrative Pathways Model of Growth following trauma. Four key themes emerged which formed parts of a sequential trajectory towards growth post trauma. These themes were: Stocktaking, Core Resolve, Differentiation and Integration/Growth. The research also highlights the utility of considering the constructs of narrative coherence and narrative complexity in understanding personal growth after trauma and suggests strategies for working with clients struggling with traumatic experiences.