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Transformative Powerlessness: The Role of Powerlessness in Recovery from Interpersonal Trauma

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Authors: Dr. (Ph.D.) Tuly Flint¹, Dr. (Ph.D.) Sharon Eytan²

Published: 31 December 2024

Affiliations:
1. School of Social Work, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
2. Okanagan Center for EMDR, Okanagan College, Canada

Abstract

This qualitative study delves into the complex world of powerlessness, a significant aspect of the suffering experienced by survivors of interpersonal trauma. While powerlessness is typically viewed as a negative aspect, the authors suggest that embracing it can lead to an empowering experience.

Keywords

Powerlessness, recovery, interpersonal trauma, spirituality, transformation

Introduction

Interpersonal trauma is a complex event involving many forms of neglect and abuse: emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical abuse, physical neglect, and/or sexual abuse in childhood and/or adulthood. This study aims to show how a full acceptance of powerlessness in the face of interpersonal trauma and its consequences can transform the experience from a threatening one into an empowering one.

Due to its numerous grief consequences, interpersonal trauma is considered to be the most devastating of personal experiences. Survivors of interpersonal trauma suffer from various psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual disorders. Additionally, survivors experience feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and a sense of powerlessness.

TURNING POINTS

Turning points are critical moments consisting of significant low points, promoting recovery engagement and making a reference point from where future events will be viewed. Research shows survivors will go through turning points in the recovery and transformation process from interpersonal violence.

PARTICIPANTS

The research sample consisted of individuals who experienced interpersonal trauma and found spirituality to be their main recovery catalyst (n = 491, 40 of whom identified as women and 29 as men). Participants’ ages ranged from 23 to 75 (M = 44).

Origin of participants was highly diverse: Israel (n = 21), Europe (n = 8), South Africa (n = 7), and South America (n = 1).

Trauma reported included sexual abuse (n = 33), domestic violence (n = 11), physical abuse (n = 9), cults (n = 5), robbery (n = 2), and kidnapping (n = 2). Some participants reported multiple traumas (n = 29). Spiritual paths identified included 12-step programs, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Baha’i, and Judaism. Additionally, 12 described spiritual influences as significant.

DATA ANALYSIS

Extreme efforts were made to create a Trauma-Informed and safe environment for the interview participants where possible. To ensure confidentiality, the researchers introduced themselves as involved for many years in trauma and recovery, thus producing a trauma-informed therapeutic setting.

Participants were assured that confidentiality would be fully maintained by removing all identifying details about them. They were also given the option of contacting the interviewers afterward with any concerns about the interview topics and a referral to a counseling service after the interviews if needed.

Results

The analysis indicated a process of recovery from post-traumatic symptoms that included a transformative experience of powerlessness. Participants described their spiritual journeys as opportunities for recovery.

In retrospect, participants recognized the turning point as a significant moment in their spiritual journey, as Michel, a Yoga teacher who was molested in childhood by his uncle, portrays:

“It’s an awakening experience, spiritually. It really connects, for me, with my past. ‘Cause, yeah, it’s possible that that’s what I needed, some sort of BANG! A slap in the face. And this abusive relationship was some sign? A wake-up call.”

Discussion

With their newfound understanding of the transformative nature of powerlessness, participants were able to gain a deeper insight into their recovery from interpersonal trauma. As Debbie, a policy advisor who was sexually abused as a child, described:

“I used to be in a position that I am willing to be vulnerable, but I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t know how to ask for help.”

Conclusions

This study is important for survivors of interpersonal trauma, as it highlights the potential for transformative powerlessness to lead to recovery. The findings suggest that embracing powerlessness can be both unwelcomed and threatening and desired and enlightening.

Conflict of Interest:

None.

Funding Statement:

None.

References

1. Mauritz MW, Goosens PJ, Draijer N, van der Hart O. Prevalence of interpersonal trauma and trauma-related disorders in severe mental illness. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2013;4:19875.

2. Millberg A, Strang PJ, Jakobsson M. Next of kin’s experience of powerlessness and helplessness in palliative home care. Support Care Cancer. 2004; 12:120-128.

3. Ronel N. Grace Therapy for recovering victims: A restorative 12-step based therapy. In: Sundaram MS, Jaishankar PK, Ramdoss S, editors. Crime Victims and Justice: An Introduction to Restorative Justice. New York: Springer; 2018.

4. Eytan S, Ronel N. Post-traumatic stress disorder: The impact of spirituality on recovery. J Int Offender Ther Comp Criminol. 2022;66(2):128-133.

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