Beyond the Boundaries of the Psyche: An In-Depth Examination of the Recovery Processes From Existential Vacuum and Coping Strategies of Psychologically Traumatised Individuals—A Qualitative Study
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, vol.33, no.3, pp.409-422, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 33 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1111/jpm.70110
- Journal Name: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, EBSCO Communication Source, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Communication Source (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.409-422
- Keywords: existential void, existentialism, posttraumatic growth, psychiatric nursing, trauma
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the posttraumatic search for meaning and inner transformation experiences of psychologically traumatised individuals by examining their coping strategies and recovery from the existential vacuum through a phenomenological approach. Introduction: It is known that trauma creates not only a psychological but also an existential crisis in individuals and triggers a search for meaning; however, studies on how this process is reflected in the subjective experiences of individuals are limited. Method: The study was conducted with a qualitative phenomenological design, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 volunteer individuals who had experienced psychological trauma in the past and who had experienced psychological trauma at least 1 year ago, selected through snowball sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form and analysed using Colaizzi's method. COREQ guidelines were adhered to throughout the research process. Findings: Four main themes and twelve sub-themes were obtained from the in-depth interviews. “(1)In the Shadow of Identity: Existential Alienation, (2) In the Depths of the Void: Interrogation of Meaning, (3) Mental Exploration and Journey to Inner Light, and (4) Strength and Rebirth: Post-Traumatic Growth”. The participants stated that they found themselves alienated and meaningless after the trauma; however, by facing this emptiness, they discovered their inner resources, built new meanings, and transformed the trauma into an opportunity for growth. Conclusion: The findings revealed that post-traumatic recovery is not only about symptomatic improvement; individuals can liberate themselves, take responsibility, and give their lives a unique meaning. The study suggests that developing meaning-focused and existentialist-based therapeutic approaches for mental health professionals can contribute to individuals' recovery and personal transformation. Clinical relevance: The study suggests that developing meaning-focused and existential-based therapeutic approaches for mental health professionals can contribute to individuals' recovery and personal transformation.