Introduction
Life has different meanings to different people around the world. People interpret life according to their environment, religious upbringing, customs, and traditions. However, all humans have something in common. We are all born, and we all die at a certain time regardless of our race, religion, or traditions. (James, 2008)
In the course of living, we are faced with different situations in life. Certain situations shape our lives for a good while or vice versa. It is common to find people these days in one form of crisis or the other. Waking up and going to work is almost a norm everywhere in the world. (James, 2008) But every job comes with its hazards particularly if a person works extremely hard without rest. In the course of working hard either as student, entrepreneur, and military personnel or as a professional, we are all faced with a crisis at one time or the other. This crisis can either be trauma or disaster. (Gillian, 2007)
Using Blocher’s life stages, development tasks, and coping styles, an interview was conducted on a friend who had experienced trauma. His stage of development at the time of the trauma and his coping style in response to the trauma would be noted. (Gillian, 2007) This step is necessary because the society we live in has a major influence on our lives. Our lifestyle, manner of dressing, social class, and vocations are all determined by our immediate environment. Thus, society is regarded as the most effective factor that shapes our lives. (Brenda, 2012)
An Interview with a person Who Suffered Trauma
Peter Akpan is a friend who suffered trauma in 2008. He is studying computer engineering at the university and is 21 years of age. He was just a teenager of about 16years in 2008 when all the members of his family died in a plane crash. His family members were his father, mother, and younger sister.
It was just another normal day for the Akpan family. After breakfast, the rest of the family was headed to Abuja Nigeria’s capital for the book launch of their father; professor Akpan. But fate had other plans. Peter on the other hand was scheduled to take the TOEFL exams to enable him to gain admission into the prestigious Harvard University in America. For this reason, he didn’t travel with the rest of the family.
When asked how he felt at the time of the event, Peter couldn’t hold back tears as he described what he termed as his world coming to an end. His family members were the only friends in his life at that point and his world was built around them. According to him, his dad had tutored him personally, to enable him to pass his exams. His mum and sister were his confidants whom he could talk to. Peter described that moment as the most gruesome and trying time in his life. Everything seemed dark according to him and he couldn’t make sense out of anything people were saying. It was more like a meaningless trance according to him. He said he still thinks about his family and misses them from time to time. (Brenda, 2012)
His principal means of coping with the traumatic event was, spending time with close family members who were kind and supportive throughout that period. Furthermore, his Jehovah’s witness church members were around to support him scripturally. He described his coping style as emotional support and a problem-solving method. Peter got his support from family relatives and his church members. Also, his eventual admission into Harvard provided a change of environment for him and it also helped in his healing process. (Rooyen, 2010)
The “Triage Assessment Form”
Using the “triage assessment form,” Peter’s affective, behavioral, and cognitive responses would be assessed. In terms of effectiveness, Peter displayed moderate impairment. His moods changed from time to time, and it took much effort to control his emotions. For behavioral, he showed no impairment. With the presence of close family and church members, his behavior was appropriate to the crisis. His focus on the life ahead of him was a clear indication. His cognitive response was at a minimal impairment. From time to time, his thought drifted to the loss of his family. But there were no cases of violent behavior or any negative attitude.
Conclusion
Peter’s reactions to the trauma were normal. As humans, when hit with a crisis of any kind, just a few of us can cope without help. Many people cope better during a crisis if they get support from loved ones. This was the case with peter.
Since humans vary from each other, this might not apply to other people when faced with a similar situation to Peter’s. This means a different approach would be required for somebody else. However, it is very glaring how our immediate environment affects and influences us. (Rooyen, 2010)
References
Brenda, J. (2012) Safety and stability for foster Children: A developmental perspective. Princeton University: Princeton
Gillian, R. (2007) Peer Review: The newcomers Perspective. Oxford University Press: Oxford
James, R. (2008) Crisis Intervention Strategies: Cengage Learning: Stamford
Rooyen, G. (2010) Peer Review and Assessment in Social Inclusion. Oxford University Press: Oxford