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Gepubliceerd in:

04-06-2022 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Mindfulness in Survivors of Cumulative Childhood Interpersonal Trauma: a Buddhist Conceptualization of Suffering and Healing

Auteurs: Éliane Dussault, David Lafortune, Mylène Fernet, Natacha Godbout

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 7/2022

Abstract

Objectives

Buddha’s Four Noble Truths state that (1) life is full of suffering, (2) there is a cause of suffering, (3) it is possible to stop suffering, and (4) there is a path leading to the cessation of suffering. The current study aimed to explore how trauma-related suffering and mindfulness dispositions are experienced among survivors of childhood cumulative interpersonal trauma (i.e., CCIT, an accumulation of physical, psychological, and sexual trauma before the age of 18) through the lens of Buddha’s Four Noble Truths.

Methods

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 adult survivors of CCIT (12 men, 11 women). A directed content analysis was performed.

Results

Findings revealed that survivors of CCT experience paths of suffering and healing echoing the Four Noble Truths. First, being a survivor of CCIT is a major source of suffering. Second, most participants engage in experiential avoidance (aversion, cravings, illusion, and amnesia) as adaptive strategies to pain and suffering. Third, some participants search for inner and outer resources to reduce the suffering caused by experiential avoidance. Fourth, a few participants engage in a path of liberation characterized by a new approach to trauma and to life.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the integration of Western and Buddhist frameworks might foster a better understanding of mindfulness dispositions and suffering in survivors of CCT.

vorige artikel The Mindfulness-Based Gaia Program Reduces Internalizing Problems in High-School Adolescents: a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

volgende artikel Development and Validation of the Japanese Version of the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory-Short Form

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Titel: Mindfulness in Survivors of Cumulative Childhood Interpersonal Trauma: a Buddhist Conceptualization of Suffering and Healing
Auteurs: Éliane Dussault
David Lafortune
Mylène Fernet
Natacha Godbout
Publicatiedatum: 04-06-2022
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness / Uitgave 7/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01922-7

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