Personality factors of individuals who survive traumatic experiences without professional help

This is a study of the personality resources that enable certain individuals to cope successfully with traumatic experiences without planned psychotherapeutic intervention. A survey of 40 trauma-surviving respondents reveals some common positive developmental and psychosocial factors. Also, five cases are described who experienced serious trauma, three of them living successful lives and two remaining disabled. The biological predisposition and the specific interaction of ones nature and nurture leading toward resolution of traumatic experiences are discussed. Individuals who have survived Posttraumatic Stress Disorder should be studied further within a psychobiological framework.