Turning Adversity Into Creative Growth, Essay Example

Trauma is a health complication that is commonly associated with immense pain. It can thus lead to deep emotions as well as psychological scars later in life after the passage of the stressful experience. Psychologists however have been able to associate trauma with a silver lining. Research studies have focussed on constructive changes in life following a trauma experience including the loss of a loved one, terminal illness or even sexual assault. The phenomenon has been identified as posttraumatic growth that can potentially promote growth which can arise from such an adversity. Researchers have pointed out key areas of positive growth that is associated with a past traumatic experience. They include life appreciation, personal strength, spirituality, interpersonal relationships as well identification of new life opportunities.

A likely influence in growth with respect to the domains identified relates to higher echelon of creativity. Majority of the eminent creators have identified overcoming adversity through the use of the negative experiences that they have encountered in inspiring as well as motivating their activities. According to systematic research conducted, a sturdy preponderance has been associated with harsh realities in the events of life such as early loss of a parent, physical disorders as well as physical illnesses.

A variety of creative engagements such as expressive writing and art therapy has also been associated with therapeutic merits. Creative expressions can be linked to therapeutic advantages as they enhance engagement, distraction, catharsis, meaning making as well as positive emotions. The adverse events that are associated with great implications in the lives of people include assault, disasters, accidents as well as illnesses. Such events have been linked with creative growth and also wider creativity. The extent of stress that is experienced at the time of encounter with transformative negative experiences reflects the extent of intrusive as well as deliberate types of rumination following traumatic experiences. The ruminations drastically impact on posttraumatic growth.  Although intrusive rumination can be associated with substantial decline in areas of the growth, this cannot be linked with bad outcomes.

A degeneration in perception of new opportunities in the life of an individual may lead to a decrease in self-perception in creative growth but it also promotes the creativity breadth. This may be a reflection of strategies of coping with stress through enhanced creative engagement. Additionally, a deteriorating interpersonal relationship may lead to higher levels of self-perception in creative growth.

The implication of perception of new opportunities in the life of an individual is not a surprising issue in posttraumatic growth. This can be considered as a sturdy predictor in creative engagement as well as achievement. The higher level of openness to the experience may enhance the thinking capacity of trauma survivors with regard to the future opportunities in growth. Illness can lead to new opportunities through breaking of the old habits, provocation of disequilibrium and identification of alternative pathways that lead to the achievement of creative goals. Notable differences however exists among different people in the extent of achieving creativity after a trauma experience. It is therefore prudent to understand the personal as well as environmental factors that are responsible for the transformation of an adverse experience to a creative growth.