The Melissa Institute, and the work of Dr. Donald Meichenbaum in particular, offer research driven, evidence based facts that show that individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to recover health than succumb to life-long defeat. Their research shows that one-half to two-thirds of children who have lived with abuse, witnessed violence, or been raised by an adult with substance use disorder grow up to achieve successful and well adjusted lives. Some estimates of this positive outcome reach as high as 70%.
Even better, some folks experience Post-Traumatic Growth. That is, they experience positive personal changes that result from the struggle to deal with trauma and its consequences. Many people can, and do move from surviving a trauma, or even multiple traumas, to become a thriving individual. Talk about good news!