Several surveys have reported the negative psychological impact on the general public of the terrorist attacks in the USA of September 11th, 2001. Yet the attacks also led many people to make positive changes in their relationships, values and priorities. A survey of 80 adults in Ottawa, Canada demonstrated that greater perceived threat and greater initial distress reactions significantly predicted the extent to which people reported positive changes in their lives (e.g. closer to family, refocused priorities). Initial distress and greater perceived threat also correlated positively with whether people provided help after the disaster. Follow-up data on 40 of these participants 11 months later revealed significant stability over time for the extent of positive life changes reported, and demonstrated that degree of initial distress and perceived threat continued to correlate positively with life change reports at this later point in time. The data are consistent with the argument that the perception of growth may develop out of one's personal experience of emotional pain.

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Community Outreach Programs in Addictions (COPA) is a Canadian organization that assists older adults who live with substance misuse and mental health issues. COPA College, a psycho educational mutual aide support group consists of weekly group sessions. The program uses a Solution Focussed approach (De Jong, Insoo Kimberg, 2008) which provides support to socially disadvantaged older adults with substance and mental health issues through a group format.This article sets out to evaluate participant reactions and determine if participants decrease substance use following completion of the group. One-on-one semi-structured interviews with ten participants were conducted. Participants were asked to rate the importance of different aspects of the program and discuss alcohol intake following involvement in the group. Aspects of the program rated highly by all the participants included learning new information, the breadth of topics discussed and the harm reduction approach taken by the program. Finally, the general atmosphere of the group was considered very important, especially being comfortable in the group and combining humour with learning, and an opportunity for reflective, sharing peer support.