79 camp . 66 During the war , he observed that those who had strong political or religious beliefs and a deeply rooted value system survived better . Their “ basic assumptions ” were not crushed ; or they found a new meaning , something to fight for . ( Many prisoners of war become ardent human rights defenders .) This is also consistent with Antonovsky ’ s finding that meaning and context are decisive factors when people bear a lot of stress . 67
Affect focuses on the ability to regulate emotion . Many trauma survivors have a phobia about feeling ; it is part of the avoidance reaction . Affect awareness is not just a matter of talking about the emotions , however . One can express emotions through activities , music , dance , sport and in many other ways . Through psychoeducation and communion with like-minded people , survivors whose affect has been harmed may gradually come to reawaken their feelings .
Social support and sense of community . Many survivors are able to regain self-esteem and trust in others when they encounter help and peer support . Activities and sports , education , colleagues , friendships , neighbours can build resilience by providing an experience of belonging and community .
Imagery includes all creative expression . Music , drama , painting , dance and other activities not only interrupt thinking but teach skills and promote symbolisation . Imagery also includes such exercises as fantasy travel , playing , and dreaming about the future .
Cognition is about strengthening cognitive processes . Psychoeducation is an example . C also stands for curiosity ( information ), the need to know what has happened and what will happen next ; good information feels reassuring . Many cognitive techniques provide tools for dealing with anxiety , and can help survivors to restore assumptions that have been thrown into the air by trauma .
HELP AND ACTION
Physical includes grounding exercises , breathing exercises , relaxation exercises , rest , physical therapy , etc . Contact with one ’ s own body and the experience of physical mastery and strength can restore a survivor ’ s feeling of agency , revive energy , and bring self-confidence . Physical activities , such as sport , also make survivors feel they belong in a community .
The BASIC-PH model aims to strengthen resilience by assisting survivors to expand their repertoire of skills . Many survivors have one preferred strategy for recovery or self-development ; the model suggests it is a good idea to use a broader range of strategies . Helpers can consciously encourage survivors to explore their experience of achievement and self-respect , their experience of having influence , their belief that they can obtain help , and their confidence that their future can change and improve . This is what building resilience means .
Questions to reflect on
REFLECTION QUESTION
Consider the survivors you work with .
• What strengths , opportunities , and resources can they draw on ?
• Which ones lie in themselves and which in the environment around them ?