From: The Conversation
Do we actually grow from adversity?
November 18, 2019
In our culture, there’s this idea that enduring a tragedy can be good for your personal growth. You’ll have a newfound appreciation for life. You’ll be grateful for your friends and family. You’ll learn from the experience. You’ll become more resilient.
This theme appears in media coverage, time and again, in the wake of natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
But what does the science say?
Is there actually value in pain and suffering? Was philosopher Frederich Nietzsche onto something when he said, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger”?
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Danger is normal; it teaches life’s most essential lessons. But only if we are ready or have someone to protect and comfort us. If we are not ready and not protected and comforted, psychological trauma can replace learning. So adversity cuts both ways, depending upon our circumstances.
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