Career Adaptability of Trauma Survivors: The Moderating Role of Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract

Impaired functioning in occupational domains is a diagnostic characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder, and yet the interactions between trauma and career remain understudied. This study examined the relationships between trauma symptoms, posttraumatic growth, and career adaptability in college students who identified as trauma survivors (N = 215). Results indicated that (a) trauma symptoms and posttraumatic growth were both significantly predictive of career adaptability and (b) posttraumatic growth moderated the relationship between trauma and career adaptability. The impact of demographic factors and implications for career counselors and counselor educators are also discussed.

Toward Trauma‐Informed Career Counseling

“…They examined both the detrimental, long‐term effects of trauma and “the potential to open multidisciplinary approaches to studying and improving human well‐being” (p. 183). The analysis provided support for linking trauma with the study of resilience and developing interventions that promote wellness and adaptive functioning (Prescod & Zeligman, 2018; Zyromski et al, 2018). Because of the implications of ACEs and the numerous replications, many societal organizations across sectors have adopted trauma‐informed practices.…”

“…Although past adversity has been linked to long‐term negative outcomes, these outcomes are not predetermined. Many people have suffered much adversity and yet return to a state of well‐being or healthy functioning, and they may even develop an increased capacity for prosocial behaviors and posttraumatic growth (Lim & DeSteno, 2016; Prescod & Zeligman, 2018; Satici, 2016). The ability to return to a functional or even positively transformed state after experiencing adversity is a manifestation of resilience.…”

“…Considering the complexity of these interacting factors, career counselors must not oversimplify their approach by merely facilitating adjustments to client perspective or mindset. Instead, they can understand resilience as a complex dynamic and make efforts to collaborate across domains to provide a web of support for their clients (Crosby, 2015; Hamby, Banyard, & Grych, 2016; Masten, 2016; Prescod & Zeligman, 2018). A social‐systemic perspective may better explain some of the negative outcomes in their present experience as well as provide keys to resilience‐enhancing opportunities to help clients move forward through a trauma‐informed lens (Hamby et al, 2016).…”

“…Individuals with ACEs can have many enduring negative consequences affecting career across their life span (Currie & Widom, 2010; Felitti et al, 1998; Prescod & Zeligman, 2018). Currie and Widom (2010) found a 14% gap in the probability of employment during middle age between individuals with and individuals without a history of ACEs.…”

“…This concept fits with applying trauma‐informed practice to career counseling and constructing career narratives (McMahon & Watson, 2008). As the client evaluates early relationships and their impact on adult relationships, a narrative approach may aid this “reflection and reflexivity” (Savickas, 2016, p. 84) through a trauma‐informed lens to create a better vocational adjustment through improving relationships (Prescod & Zeligman, 2018; Shonkoff, 2016; Ungar et al, 2015; Zyromski et al, 2018).…”