Reconstructing Meaning After Trauma

Elizabeth Altmaier, PhD, is Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, College of Education, University of Iowa. Professor Altmaier’s research interests concern adjustment to and coping with challenging events and circumstances; her publications focus on cancer and its treatment, interpersonal offenses, and chronic illnesses. She is the author of the forthcoming book, Push back the dark: Companioning adults sexually abused as children (Wipf and Stock). Professor Altmaier is Fellow of the American Psychological Association. She is an active community volunteer, including serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Leaders, Believers and Achievers organization for at risk youth in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Part 1. Foundations of Meaning and Trauma 1. Making Meaning in the Wake of Trauma: Resilience and Redemption 2. Meaning Violation and Restoration Following Trauma: Conceptual Overview and Clinical Implications 3. With the Fierce and Loving Embrace of Another Soul: Finding Connection and Meaning After the Profound Disconnection of Betrayal Trauma

Part 2. Mechanisms of Meaning Loss and Restoration 4. Gender and Meaning Making: The Experiences of Individuals With Cancer 5. Forgiveness Therapy in the Reconstruction of Meaning Following Interpersonal Trauma 6. Spiritually Oriented Psychotherapy for Trauma and Meaning Making Among Ethnically Diverse Individuals in the United States

Part 3. Population Specific Applications 7. Reconstructing Meaning After Sexual Assault 8. Growth and Meaning From Negotiating the Complex Journey of Being an Emergency Medical Dispatcher 9. Meaning Making Concerning Acquired Disability 10. Expressive Arts: A Group Intervention for Unaccompanied Minor Asylum Seekers and Young Adults 11. Making Meaning After Combat Trauma and Moral Injury

Part 4. Conclusion 12. Meaning Making and Trauma Recovery