RESEARCH
Pathways to Thriving Study:
Evaluation of Broken to Brilliant’s Signature Author Program
Rosemarie Johnson, a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) student from the University of the Sunshine Coast undertook the study Pathways to Thriving, supervised by Dr. Millear, Senior Lecturer and Psychology Honours Program Coordinator. The study evaluated the impact of our Signature Author Program on domestic violence.
Domestic Violence in Australia
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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023), one in six women and one in eighteen men experience domestic violence. Despite its destructive effects, pathways to not only surviving but thriving in the aftermath of domestic violence exist. However, there is limited research exploring this journey directly. The Pathways to Thriving study addresses this gap by evaluating Broken to Brilliant’s Signature Author Program, a narrative therapy initiative that supports survivors in rebuilding their lives.
Study Overview
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The study combined resilience theory (Masten & Reed, 2002) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) theory (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) to assess how participants of the Signature Author Program experienced personal growth and resilience following domestic violence. Using a mixed-method approach, data was collected via online surveys from 26 participants and interviews with 25 participants. These individuals, ranging in age from 44 to 70, were former authors and facilitators in the program.
Key Findings
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The results revealed that:-
60% of participants reported significant post-traumatic growth and resilience, showing a strong link between recovery from domestic violence and post-traumatic growth.-
Four core themes emerged from the interviews:
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A sense of competence before the DV relationship.
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An epiphany that sparked a life change.
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A return to feeling in control of their lives.
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A regained sense of competence and self-worth.
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Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth
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The study demonstrated that resilience and post-traumatic growth are intertwined and form part of a broader process that leads to thriving after domestic violence. Survivors who participated in the Signature Author Program experienced both resilience and transformative growth, allowing them to rebuild their lives in meaningful ways
Impact of the Signature Author Program
Participants and facilitators provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting that the Signature Author Program helped them better understand themselves and thrive after domestic violence. This feedback underscores Broken to Brilliant’s commitment to empowering domestic violence survivors to reclaim their lives and fostering a community of healing and growth. community of healing and growth.
