Exploring thriving in the context of clinical trauma theory: Constructivist self development theory

In this article we critique current conceptualizations and methods of study ing posttraumatic growth and offer an alternative framework using clinical trauma theory, specifically, Constructivist Self Development Theory (CSDT). We identify five limitations in the current literature: (1) a strict adher ence to nomothetic investigation, (2) reliance on moderator analyses over d escriptive inquiry, (3) exclusive use of univariate outcome indicators, (4) failure to distinguish effortful from automatic change, and (5) oversight o f abrupt change. We offer CSDT as an integrative clinical theory that ident ifies five aspects of the self affected by traumatic events and examine how the study of thriving guided by CSDT could overcome these limitations. We conclude with a discussion of change, distinguishing that which occurs with in psychotherapy from that which occurs outside the therapeutic context.