Children of Holocaust Survivors on Middle-Age: A Phenomenological Inquiry

The Lived Experiences of Middle-Aged Children of Holocaust Survivors: A Phenomenological Study by Elizabeth Rosenberg MA, City University of New York, 2000 BA, City University of New York,1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University May 2016 Abstract Children of Holocaust survivors are vulnerable to experiencing secondary trauma, which typically manifests in emotional and psychological difficulties. Despite their exposure to a traumatized family environment, many children of Holocaust survivors do not develop emotional problems and adaptive difficulties. Some demonstrate psychological resilience, reflected by their ability to adapt to adversity and problems. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how well-adjusted, middle aged children of Holocaust survivors developed and maintained resilience. In line with the resiliency theory, which explains how an individual bounces back from negative circumstances, the research questions for this study examined the factors that the participants used to develop and maintain resilience. The sample for this study included 13 middle-aged children of Holocaust survivors who described themselves as well-adjusted. The researcher collected data by conducting in-depth interviews and qualitatively analyzing the data using the modified van Kaam method of phenomenological analysis. Results showed that well-adjusted children of Holocaust survivors managed and maintained resiliency through middle age by incorporating lessons learned from their parents, including the notion that nothing can keep a person down. These findings contributed to the body of knowledge on trauma prevention and may be useful to social service providers and organizations that seek to aid individuals’ development of resiliency in the wake of traumatic experiences.Children of Holocaust survivors are vulnerable to experiencing secondary trauma, which typically manifests in emotional and psychological difficulties. Despite their exposure to a traumatized family environment, many children of Holocaust survivors do not develop emotional problems and adaptive difficulties. Some demonstrate psychological resilience, reflected by their ability to adapt to adversity and problems. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how well-adjusted, middle aged children of Holocaust survivors developed and maintained resilience. In line with the resiliency theory, which explains how an individual bounces back from negative circumstances, the research questions for this study examined the factors that the participants used to develop and maintain resilience. The sample for this study included 13 middle-aged children of Holocaust survivors who described themselves as well-adjusted. The researcher collected data by conducting in-depth interviews and qualitatively analyzing the data using the modified van Kaam method of phenomenological analysis. Results showed that well-adjusted children of Holocaust survivors managed and maintained resiliency through middle age by incorporating lessons learned from their parents, including the notion that nothing can keep a person down. These findings contributed to the body of knowledge on trauma prevention and may be useful to social service providers and organizations that seek to aid individuals’ development of resiliency in the wake of traumatic experiences. The Lived Experiences of Middle-Aged Children of Holocaust Survivors: A Phenomenological Study by Elizabeth Rosenberg MA, City University of New York, 2000 BA, City University of New York, 1990 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University May 2016 Dedication In loving memory of my beloved parents, Yisroel Shanzer and Suri Rosenberg, Holocaust survivors who overcame tragedy and suffering . Their resilience will endure generationally.