Salutogenesis and autobiographical disclosure among Holocaust survivors

Abstract

Forty-five Holocaust survivors and a comparison group of 21 Jews who had not experienced Nazi persecution completed questionnaires assessing salutogenic (health-enhancing) and pathogenic (illness-inducing) outcomes of Holocaust vs. other traumatic experiences. Salutogenesis and pathogenesis were negatively correlated. Holocaust survivors were consistently higher on the measure of salutogenesis; with marital history held constant, this difference was statistically significant. Neither group reported high incidences of posttraumatic stress symptoms, although survivors reported more. Talking about one's Holocaust experiences was related to more positive and fewer negative responses. Marital history and religious observance mediated some aspects of both positive and negative long-term consequences. The results indicate that the long-term consequences of even extreme trauma may include increased personal strength and growth.

Surviving the Holocaust: A meta-analysis of the long-term sequelae of a genocide.

“…This finding is consistent with the new realm of research during the past two decades. It is also inspired by a salutogenic approach, with a focus on the resilience of survivors, on their ability to overcome their traumatic experiences and even to flourish and gain psychological growth (Ayalon, 2005;Cassel & Suedfeld, 2006;Helmreich, 1992). Nevertheless, the present study also shows that Holocaust survivors still bear the pain of their past in the form of various psychiatric symptoms, especially PTSS.…”

“…Other intriguing findings reveal that Holocaust survivors, more than members of comparison groups, believe that there is justice in the world, that mankind is in control, and that the world is a good place (M. Cohen et al, 2001). Furthermore, in other investigations they have hope for a better future (Carmil & Breznitz, 1991), and they score higher on measures of self-esteem and sense of coherence (Cassel & Suedfeld, 2006).…”

“…In the last two decades, the literature has shown more optimistic findings, though still suggesting a divergent picture. Some reports pointed to the negative effects of the Holocaust on survivors (e.g., , but others focused on survivors' resilience (e.g., Cassel & Suedfeld, 2006).…”

“…The long-term effects of the Holocaust on survivors can be examined with a focus on dysfunctions-as is often the case-but also with a focus on posttrauma psychological strength and growth (Cassel & Suedfeld, 2006). A review of the research and clinical literature reveals that in the 1950s and early 1960s reports of the psychological impact of the Holocaust were presented mainly by psychiatrists who treated survivors as patients or by eyewitness accounts of the survivors themselves (Frankl, 1962;Krystal, 1968;Niederland, 1968).…”

Coping With the Subterranean Environment: A Thematic Content Analysis of the Narratives of Cave Explorers

“…There is a growing recognition among psychologists (e.g., Cassel & Suedfeld, 2006;Palinkas, Gunderson, Holland, Miller, & Johnson, 2000;Ritsher, Kanas, Ihle, & Saylor, 2007;Suedfeld, Brcic, Johnson, & Gushin, 2012) that the highly stressful experiences and circumstances often encountered in EUEs can promote positive psychological growth, a phenomenon known as salutogenesis (Antonovsky, 1979). The ability to derive salutogenic effects from the stressful encounters typical of EUEs is likely to be associated with, or even contingent on, the employment of coping strategies that allow the stressor to be either successfully resolved or endured.…”