Posttraumatic Growth in the Distribution of Negative Interpersonal Relationship: A Christian Perspective

Abstract

Purpose: This paper attempts to explore a Christian perspective on the process leading to growth after complex trauma caused by family violence experience. To achieve it, the article tackles the analysis of relationship between the inflictor father and victim, interpersonal relationship, and relationship with God in terms of growth after suffering from the trauma of family violence with a Christian perspective. Research design, data, and methodology: This study employed an in-depth interview as a methodology. Seven Christian adults who have experienced family violence in childhood are selected for the qualitative case study. 58 concepts, 24 low-level categories, and eight high-level categories are derived from each interview case. Results: The results of the case study show that the negative emotion caused by family violence during childhood is likely to lead to narcissistic rage. It is found that the reflection for posttraumatic growth starts with crying to God, simultaneously expressing pain and suffering. Conclusions: The interesting thing is that they are willing to forgive in the process of trauma therapy. It should be noted that the research results also demonstrate that relationship restoration entails the meaning reconstruction in the interpersonal relations.