Finding hope in bosnia: Fostering resilience through group process intervention

Abstract

This article presents a group process approach for intervening with adults coping with the impact of extraordinary and ongoing cumulative traumatic stress A brief overview of existing resilience research is provided. Historically, research has tended to focus on content-oriented and cognitive frames of reference. This article expands on historical Frameworks by presenting a process-oriented and affective perspective. The authors also suggest a group process methodology by which vulnerability may be decreased and resilience increased. Experiences of counselors in Bosnia coping with the impact of war provide examples for an examination of resilience from a process-affective point of view. This article shows how group process intervention can be used to foster resilience in adults who experience exceptional trauma in their daily lives. Future implications for research on group process and resilience are suggested.