A grounded theory of weight lifting as a healing strategy for trauma

Abstract

Research has found significant benefits in using exercise as an adjunct treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Weight lifting as an adjunct treatment for trauma is an emerging research area with very few empirically based studies. This study used a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore how weight lifting contributes to healing for persons with a trauma history. Forty-six persons (26 = women, 8 = men, 6 = nonbinary, 5 = transgender man, 1 = agender), recruited from a national sample of individuals, who identified as having experienced trauma and who engage in weight lifting, were individually interviewed. Data were analyzed using Charmaz's (2006) constructivist grounded theory strategies. Central themes revealed that past and current trauma experiences created relational and bodily disconnection fueled by hyper- or hypo-vigilance, impulsivity, and dysregulation. Weight lifting healed trauma through the felt sense of the mind-body connection, which created a healthier, more empowered, and connected trauma survivor. Study findings offer important insights to inform the development of trauma-informed gym spaces as well as the integration of weight lifting into trauma recovery programs.