Although the memories of Holocaust survivors have been explored in a v
ast number of autobiographical, biographical, and clinical publication
s, there has been very little application of nomothetic as opposed to
idiographic methodology in this area. Group-based research has primari
ly involved clinical samples. The current study was designed to obtain
objective, quantitative data as to how survivors now functioning in t
he community recall coping with the problems that they had confronted.
Content analysis was performed on 30 videotaped autobiographical inte
rviews of Holocaust survivors, comprised of 5 men and 5 women in each
of 3 age groups (child, adolescent, or adult at the end of the Holocau
st). There were significant time period (pre-Holocaust, Early and Late
Holocaust, post-Holocaust) differences in the appearance of 8 coping
strategies; age differences in 2 strategies; and 2 significant age x t
ime period interactions. In general, memories of coping during the Hol
ocaust emphasize direct, problem-oriented behavior, although mention o
f religious faith, superstition, and luck also increased. Seeking soci
al support decreased temporarily during the Holocaust. Purely emotiona
l amelioration strategies did not increase for the Holocaust period. S
ystematic content analysis of oral history archives can serve as a use
ful quantitative, nomothetic addition to the predominantly qualitative
, idiographic psychological literature of the Holocaust.