The focus of most research on traumatic stress has, as we have seen in earlier chapters, been on the negative psychological and social consequences of the event or events – how many people experience PTSD, depression or problems with relationships or alcohol, and how many people take years to recover, if they ever do. The focus on the negative is a criticism that is true of much applied psychology, which has usually focused on what is wrong with people and tried to find ways of putting it right. While this is admirable, it is not everything.

Most people who go through traumatic or stressful situations are not traumatised. They come out unscathed, somewhat changed but easily able to cope, or having learned something about life. There should be a focus on more positive aspects of change that occur as a result of being exposed to massively traumatising stimuli, change which may take place immediately but which is more likely to take much longer, perhaps years. This positive focus can teach us a lot about the normal psychological processes that come into play during traumatic situations, but may also aid clinicians and others to assist people with problems. The experience of trauma can help people to develop their understanding of themselves, other people and the world.